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Core topic CMOS-based biosensors

High-precision diagnostic systems are large and expensive, are mainly used in centralised laboratories and entail waiting and travel times of days. But if rapid test results are important or investment in a laboratory is not possible, such as in developing countries, point-of-care tests are an option. Yet in most cases, these are still too inaccurate and not digitised.

We are researching CMOS-integrated transducers and their interaction with biological receptors.

By integrating a wide range of functions and miniaturisation, as well as economies of scale, they offer the potential for precise, digital and at the same time cost-effective point-of-care tests. With CMOS-based biosensors, structural sizes in the µm range can be achieved and thus properties can also be recorded on a molecular scale. Our focus is on sensors for optical (e.g. using SPADs) and charge-based (using ISFET) analysis methods.

Together with partners, we are researching the functionalisation of chip surfaces to be able to digitise other physical, chemical and biological parameters.

We are also researching the integration of ICs with other diagnostic technologies, such as microfluidic lab-on-chip systems.

Contact

Contact

Eric Schäfer, M. Sc.

Head of Microelectronics / Branch Office Erfurt

eric.schaefer(at)imms.de+49 (0) 361 663 25 35

Eric Schäfer and his team research Integrated sensor systems, especially CMOS-based biosensors, ULP sensor systems and AI-based design and test automation. The results are being incorporated into research on the lead applications Sensor systems for in-vitro diagnostics and RFID sensor technology. It will assist you with services for the development of Integrated circuits and with IC design methods.

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Project

SensInt

The IMMS is developing a CMOS image sensor for time-resolved fluorescence detection for direct integration into microfluidic cartridges using 3D screen printing.

Project

FluoResYst

The IMMS is developing a SPAD-based sensor for time-resolved readout of fluorescence-labelled DNA microarrays.

Project

KODIAK

IMMS researches image sensors for chemiluminescence assays with Thuringian industry and institutes from Erfurt-Südost and Jena

Project

Ovutinin

For an innovative rapid test for fertility diagnostics, IMMS is developing an image sensor for time-resolved fluorescence measurement.

Reference

Dr. Friedrich Scholz, Senova

“IMMS demonstrated great commitment in responding to the huge challenges on the development of the point-of-care test. Our experience demonstrates that IMMS application-oriented analyses, understands and models the biochemical processes. Furthermore, the colleagues implement the specifications with their integrated system design and are flexible in adapting the systems as necessary.”

Reference

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Peter Husar, TU Ilmenau

“To enable the signals from all 800 sensors to be received simultaneously without interruption, we needed analogue-digital ASICs to operate on the tiniest of power. The challenge, which was immense and hitherto unknown in any such context, was met by the IMMS staff with their ASIC development skills.”

Reference

Dr. Jörg Weber, Analytik Jena

”The work offers great potential for industrial applications, but also for growing markets in life science and medical technology, where we see a rising demand for intelligent microelectronic sensors.“

All publications CMOS-based biosensors

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Service for R&D

Integrated Circuits

We offer the design and realisation of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in CMOS, BiCMOS and SOI technologies. We achieve well-performing ASICs with our first runs (first-time right silicon).

Research field

Integrated sensor systems

Here we investigate miniaturised systems manufactured in semiconductor technology consisting of microelectronic components for sensors applications, as well as methods to design these highly complex systems efficiently and safely.

Lead application

Sensor systems for in-vitro diagnostics

Here we are developing sensor systems for in-vitro diagnostics that enable individual, decentralised health monitoring for all with electronic rapid tests.