Variopore accepted

We are very proud that our research proposal “Variopore” has been accepted for funding under the project call „Wissenschaftsoffensive“ within the framework of Interreg Oberrhein.
The aim of the project is to enable faster and safer diagnosis of infectious diseases through electrical detection of molecules using nanopores. Some infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease (transmitted by the bite of an infected tick), are developing at an alarming rate in Europe, partly due to global warming.
Currently, diagnosis generally relies on tests conducted in medical laboratories, which are often expensive and time-consuming. This can delay effective treatment and lead to complications.
The KSF (Institute of Precision Machining) and the Institute of Precision Medicine (IPM) at Furtwangen University, along with their cross-border partners, are collaborating on research to enable faster and safer diagnosis. A promising solution is emerging thanks to an innovative technology: electrical detection of molecules via nanopores. Two approaches are being pursued:
In the first approach, a nanopore is created in a membrane made of advanced ceramics (such as Si3N4) using ultra-short pulse laser technology and focused ion beam (FIB), through which an electric current flows. In the second approach, membranes with a nanopore are produced using two-photon polymerization. The durability and electrical conductivity of the membranes will be enhanced by coating. Additionally, coating with memory shape materials could allow the pore to change its size and shape under the influence of heat or magnetic fields, enabling it to be reused for the detection of various molecules.
When a molecule passes through the nanopore, the electric current is altered depending on the size and shape of the molecule. This alteration represents a kind of „signature“ of the molecule that then needs to be „deciphered“.
This technology will enable the construction of very small and handy diagnostic devices that can be used directly by medical personnel in the doctor’s office and deliver reliable results in a short time.
We are looking forward to close collaboration in this project with Prof. Karin Mougin from the Université de Haute-Alsace – UHA, Prof. Hans-Peter Deigner from HFU, and Prof. Maurizio Gullo from Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW. We also thank our partners: MVZ LABORÄRZTE SINGE, PROGEN BIOTECHNIK GMBH, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIK TÜBINGEN, BIC ECRITURE 2000, HEIQ MATERIALS AG, SMARTDYELIVERY GMBH.

Finally, special thanks to Wissenschaftsoffensive, Interreg Oberrhein, MINISTERIUM FÜR WISSENSCHAFT, FORSCHUNG UND KUNST Land Baden-Württemberg, Région Grand Est, Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, and Canton of basel for funding the project.