Future cluster "nanodiag BW"
The innovation network combines disciplines:
- scientific fundamentals
- materials science
- nanotechnology
- microelectronics
- microfluidic analytics
- clinical medicine
Detecting diseases - promoting health
These are the guidelines of nanodiag BW. Information about possible future diseases such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer's can be hidden in every body. The research cluster is trying to decode this information using a new type of technology. For this purpose, tiny holes, so-called nanopores, are inserted into wafer-thin membranes. With the help of the pores, the so-called epigenetic information about diseases hidden in proteins is to be decoded. The aim of nanodiag BW is to transfer this nanopore technology into innovative products and services in order to be able to recognise cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases earlier than before and also treat them more specifically. nanodiag BW is therefore an innovation network that aims to contribute to improving the health of all citizens.
Strengthening innovation networks
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched "Clusters4Future" to promote Germany's research-intensive regions and forward-looking ideas. nanodiag BW ("Nanopore Technology for the Molecular Diagnostics of the Future") is one of 14 clusters funded nationwide, which enables the transfer of knowledge and technology from excellent research into new products and applications. It is coordinated by the Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V. and the Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg. More than 40 players from research and industry are involved.
Technology and knowledge transfer succeeds in Freiburg
Here, findings from the University Medical Centre Freiburg and the Max Planck Institute of Epigenetics and the results of membrane researchers from the University's Institute of Physiology merge with developments in micro- and nanotechnology and artificial intelligence from the Faculty of Engineering and the Hahn-Schickard Society for Applied Research. The vision of all those involved is to use nanopore sensors to decode so-called "epigenetic" changes in proteins. The aim of translating this new technology into clinical practice is to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common diseases and to make a regional contribution to the international healthcare industry: with specialists of a new profile and an increase in jobs. The Freiburg start-ups Actome, Ionera and Temicon are involved in the commercialisation of the results and further start-ups are also being sought.
“The disruptive potential of nanopore technology for medical diagnostics is internationally recognized, but has not yet been realized so far.”
Prof. Dr. Felix von Stetten,
Coordinator "nanodiagBW" and member of the institute management Hahn-Schickard-Institute for Microanalysis Systems
