Project: Components and modules for improved optical diagnostics (KODIAK)
CiS subproject: Hybrid microassembly of micro-optical sensor systems for imaging based on single photons
Project No.: 2021 FGI 0045
Lab-on-chips (LOC) can perform many diagnostic procedures of a large laboratory on a card the size of a personal ID card. This makes laboratory tests feasible at any time, cost-effective and accelerates medical decisions, for example in the detection and monitoring of sepsis or the dreaded cytokine release syndrome (CRS) accompanying diseases or immunotherapies. In these cases, various typical biomarkers in the blood indicate an emerging or existing inflammatory process. A fast, highly sensitive and quantitative detection is crucial for the life of the patient.
The consortium is dedicated to this task and aims at the parallel detection of the biomarkers interleukins 6 and 8, interferon-γ as well as the tumor necrosis factor TNF-α in such a microfluidic lab-on-chip. The system includes microfluidic, electrical and optical components. For optical diagnostics, highly sensitive SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diodes) arrays are used, which can determine concentrations of pg/ml by luminescence. In the sub-project “Hybrid micro-assembly of micro-optical sensor systems for imaging based on single photons”, the CiS Research Institute will develop and apply innovative assembly techniques for the hybrid integration of the SPAD arrays with the required electronic, optical and microfluidic components. The resulting packaging solution represents the first step on the path to system integration.
Thus, the CIS Research Institute forms the interface between semiconductor wafer process and system integration on the chip. The joint project of the Thuringian consortium X-FAB, MEOS, IMMS and CiS Research Institute is part of the specialization field Healthy Living and Health Economy of Thuringia’s RIS3 strategy. It contributes to the preparation of a green, digital and stable recovery of the economy, including research and development that contributes to this goal or to a strengthening of the health care system. The project is also supported by ERDF funding as part of the Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic (REACT-EU).
