Coatings are a never-ending hot topic at the COMPAMED. Here, Surfix has developed new possibilities at the nano scale, that should be especially used for biosensors, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems. “In the process, we were able to implement a combination of different functional coats onto a single component,” explained Dr. Anke Schütz-Trilling, research and development scientist at Surfix. Thereby, hydrophobic, hydrophilic or protein repelling surfaces are possible side by side, whereby the areas involved have to be initially activated and locally coated afterwards. By means of this, for example, the problem of micro-channel clogging can be avoided, water can be pumped with less pressure or the specific coupling of enzymes and proteins can be achieved.

The new development by the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems (ENAS) deals with a special kind of combination. Together with PolyDiagnost and MR:comp, the Chemnitz researchers have developed an MR-safe micro-endoscope with ultrasound functionality for parallel use as a diagnostics and therapy tool. The endoscope head, which is only five millimetres in size, is equipped with two light guides and an ultrasonic transducer that should destroy tumour cells with its acoustic waves. In order to avoid interferences in the MRT, the endoscope is made of ceramic and the plastic, PEEK. "The combination of light and ultrasound is new and makes the endoscope an active element," explained Dr. Mario Baum from ENAS. The new instrument should be used for brain examinations in the case of Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, or tumours.


Robot-supported operations in the inner ear
The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) also presented a completely new instrument at the COMPAMED. In the future, the “Robot Worm”, NiLiBoRo, should make possible a gentle and quick access to the middle ear. The non-linear drilling robot can also drill around the corner and, in the case of inner ear tumours, carry out minimally invasive operations in this way. “The drill has a hydraulic drive and is composed of segments with a flexible connection. Controlling the head takes place using inflatable cushions located at the sides,” said Jonathan Schächtele, Project Manager of Medical Technology Control Systems at IPA. The project has only been running for a year, but there are already functional prototypes. Components have already been successfully tested. Functional samples should be available in two years – considerations are already being made to also use the robot worm in brain surgery.

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