EU-funded research: Smart Health

PIX4LIFE

Project title

Silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit pilot line for life science applications in the visible range

Funding mechanism

H2020, ICT

Timing

01 January 2016 – 31 December 2019

Description

Photonics integrated circuits (PIC) in the visible range are essential for many life science applications. Up until now, this technology has been mainly used in labs and research centers. PIX4life intends to create a silicon nitride photonics pilot line for life science applications. By offering an open-access manufacturing platform, the project will mature the technology towards industrial development.

Further information:

Website: http://www.pix4life.eu/

Imec magazine: https://www.imec-int.com/en/imec-magazine/imec-magazine-october-2017/wanted-life-science-companies-seeking-to-make-their-products-more-compact-and-less-expensive-with-photonics

SCALPEL

Project title

A single cell analysis and sorting platform based on lens-free digital imaging techniques applied to rapid detection of cancer

Funding mechanism

H2020, FP7 Ideas, ERC Consolidator Grant Liesbet Lagae

Timing

01 November 2014 – 31 October 2019

Description

The detection of metastatic tumor cells in blood is currently a long, labor-intensive process, often requiring many different experiments and protocols. This not only slows down progress in research, but also hinders translation to the clinic. SCALPEL proposes a high-content, high-throughput cell imaging and sorting platform. The final device will be compact and easy to use, so that it can be used in the office of a medical practitioner.

Further information

Video: https://vimeo.com/209876440

NeuroSeeker

Project title

Investigation of local and global cortical circuits with advanced neural probes for high-resolution electrophysiological monitoring and optogenetic stimulation

Funding mechanism

FP7, Future Emerging Technologies

Timing

01 January 2013 – 01 January 2017

Description

Current technologies are severely restricted in the number of these neuron signals they can pick up from the brain, which limits their use as a basic research or therapeutic tool. NeuroSeeker has designed and fabricated a neural probe with unprecedented electrode density that can contact and read out single neurons. Silicon chip technology made it possible to place hundreds of electrodes on a small protruding needle. The level of detail that can be obtained with the device opens the way for a better understanding of the brain, and ultimately will lead to diagnostic and prosthetic tools to tackle human brain diseases.

Further information

Website: http://www.neuroseeker.eu/

Press release: https://www.imec-int.com/en/articles/imec-leverages-the-power-of-silicon-fabrication-to-create-innovative-neural-probe-demonstrator-with-unprecedented-electrode-density

InForMed

Project title

An integrated pilot line for micro-fabricated medical devices

Funding mechanism

H2020, ECSEL JU

Timing

01 June 2015 – 30 September 2018

Description

Micro-fabricated devices are taking the lead in medical equipment, devices and instruments. These devices typically require for their fabrication a broad assortment of different technologies and the processing of new materials, and a qualified and strictly controlled environment. It is unrealistic and even unwanted to integrate all these requirements in one manufacturing site. Instead, InForMed will establish an integrated pilot line for medical devices, uniting all key European players to bring together the required expertise for creating innovative products. The pilot line is specifically targeted and equipped to bridge the gap between concept creation and full-scale production.

Further information

Video ECSEL, electronics in health: https://vimeo.com/233314401

Website: http://informed-project.eu/index.php