Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems
In the project print4POC+, a technology platform for the functional printing of actuating and sensor functional elements in microfluidic point-of-care systems is being developed. The aim is to substitute cost- and resource-intensive subtractive processes, such as lithography or the integration of discrete components, with direct functional printing. The biosensor platform based on carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles is particularly well suited for additive manufacturing. Screen printing, as an established printing method, enables the functionalization of 2D substrates (films, plates) as well as 2.5D and 3D semifinished parts (injection-molded parts) and is compatible with a wide range of substrate materials. For seamless integration of printed structures, injection-molding processes based on insert molding and overmolding will be further developed. Thus, in the future it should be possible not only to realize newly developed point-of-care systems with the printed functionalities, but also to incrementally equip existing systems with the new technology.
Our project partners:
- Saralon GmbH
- Otto Injection Molding GmbH & Co. KG
- Chemnitz University of Technology, Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology
- Fraunhofer IWU
Project duration: December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2026