Research

Chemo and Biosensor Technology

Our researchers specialize in the development and technological implementation of chemical and biological sensors. These are compact analytical systems that allow for continuous monitoring of chemical, metabolic or biological parameters such as, for example, oxygen, glucose or lactate, but also of toxic gases, heavy metals, bacteria and toxins.

The research team is a leader in the development of optical chemical sensors (optodes) and measurement systems used in process control, medical diagnostics, environmental analysis, authentication and food monitoring.

In addition, new materials for screen printing, inkjet printing and aerosol-jet printing of electrode structures, as well as methods for surface functionalization and structuring of polymeric materials for biosensors, are developed.

Sauerstoff Messsonde

Oxygen measuring probe

Design of Sensors and Instrumen- tation
Optische Glukosesensoren im klinischen Test

Optical sensors and instruments used in process control, medical diagnostics, environmental analysis and food inspection

Light and optical effects (such as fluorescence, absorbance and refraction) are used in optical sensor systems to detect the interaction between the analyte and the sensor for the determination of its concentration. One of our core areas of competence is in the development of precision measurement instruments based on luminescence decay time measurement to detect oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) or pH in process control, food monitoring, environmental analysis and medical diagnostics. In addition, new cost-effective concepts that use miniaturized systems are developed.

Sensor Materials
Pflaster mit pH-Indikator für die Kontrolle der Wundheilung

Network of oxygen-sensitive nanofibers visible through fluorescence microscopy

Sensor Textiles

Sensor textiles are dyed with indicator dyes that change color or start to fluoresce when they react with various chemical substances or biological compounds. In this way, sensors integrated in materials used to make protective clothing warn against the presence of toxic gases or liquids such as carbon monoxide, ammonia or strong acids.

Smart Colour Textiles Demokit

Film smart textiles

Details

 

Nanosensors and Nanofibres

Through the use of nanosensors and nanofibers, new highly sensitive sensors with millisecond range response times are developed, which are highly relevant for applications that require rapid, dynamic processes, or where decisions must be made within a few seconds. For example, during the diagnosis of breathing gases, the process of breathing can be followed and insufficiency of the lungs or certain diseases can be identified.

Lab-on-Chip and Biosensors
Lab-on-chip prototypes with microfluidic structures

Lab-on-chip prototypes with microfluidic structures

Lab-on-Chip Technology and Biosensors

We develop miniaturized biosensors and integrated microfluidic systems (lab-on-a-chip devices) that are based on plastic materials by using printing technologies, special surface modifications and both micro-and nanopatterning methods .

We rely on the expertise of MATERIALS researchers in the areas of surface chemistry, micro-and nanostructuring of polymers, optics and electronics.

In this way, lab-on-a-chip devices with built-in optical or electronic detection systems are designed and can be used, for example, to identify pathogenic organisms, for food sampling, environmental analysis, or medical diagnostics.

 

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