From Research to Application: Projects at Fraunhofer EMFT

In the QuQuSemi project, a Fraunhofer EMFT research team is working together with Quantum Diamonds and the Technical University of Munich on a high-resolution microscope based on diamond-based quantum sensors that is specially designed for analyzing semiconductor components. With a spatial resolution of just 100 nanometers at room temperature, it aims to enable the precise measurement of the smallest magnetic fields and temperature differences.

3D tissue models offer a drug development alternative to animal testing, enabling precise cell activity monitoring beyond optical limits.

At the core of the partnership between Fraunhofer EMFT and Daiken Medical is the development and successful licensing of the world's smallest micromembrane pump. This technology revolutionizes microdosing and opens up new application possibilities in pain therapy. An important step was the technology transfer of the patented micromembrane pump to Daiken Medical in Osaka, which is now developing the PCA system "Amy," allowing patients to independently manage their pain treatment.

Unlooc is a project that focuses on the development of organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technologies. These technologies aim to improve the efficiency of drug testing while reducing the need for animal testing. The Fraunhofer EMFT research team is supporting the development of the organ-on-chip multiwell plates, which offer precise control of cell culture conditions and enable animal-free pharmaceutical testing.

Every year, over 3 million immobile people worldwide suffer from severe, mostly preventable pressure ulcers, with around 0.6 million in Germany. Pressure ulcers not only cause personal suffering but are also time-consuming and costly to treat. Current prophylaxis methods require significant commitment from nursing staff and do not provide continuous security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for individual and continuous monitoring for effective pressure ulcer prophylaxis. SoreAlert, a potential spin-off from Fraunhofer EMFT, addresses this need with a smart patch that allows for automated monitoring of at-risk body areas and provides early warnings for pressure ulcers.

The DigiSeal research project is setting new standards in the predictive maintenance of mechanical seals, which are essential for many branches of industry. By using informed AI and the expertise of Fraunhofer EMFT, precise models are being developed that not only predict maintenance requirements, but also provide specific recommendations for action. Together with partners such as EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Molkerei Alois Müller GmbH & Co. KG and Munich University of Applied Sciences, digitalization in the industry is being driven forward and a significant contribution is being made to Industry 4.0.

We all know it: wintertime is cold season and cough or headache tablets are often part of everyday life. But our gastrointestinal tract absorbs medication differently. In the “e-Pille” project, scientists from the Fraunhofer Institutes ITMP, EMFT and IZM are researching the points in the gastrointestinal tract where different active ingredients are best absorbed. The aim is to optimize the formulation of new drugs when taken orally.

Even in today's innovative, miniaturized electronic products, traditional wiring is still prevalent. The problem: manual wiring can account for up to 80% of product costs and also has an impact on reliability, production yield, weight and resource consumption. Last but not least, it limits the possibilities for further miniaturization. In the HyPerStripes project, researchers at Fraunhofer EMFT are working with 16 partners from three European countries on a promising alternative: long, flexible electronic systems (“hyperstripes”) to replace conventional cables and printed circuit boards.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases of civilization. Around 15-25% of patients develop diabetic foot syndrome during the progression of the disease: nerve damage and circulatory disorders, particularly in the feet. As those affected have a reduced or no sensation of pain in their feet, pressure points, blisters or cuts often form unnoticed, which can result in an open ulcer if not treated in time. In future, a patch with integrated sensor technology should help to detect critical conditions and the need for treatment at an early stage.

The strategic importance of semiconductors and Europe's dependence on other regions of the world is clearly evidenced by the recent international crises. In the EU project ICOS, European research organizations are jointly working with industry to build up know-how and networks to support Europe in regaining its sovereignty and leadership in this field, in accordance with the objectives of the EU Chips Act.