Nanobio

at the interface of nanotechnology and life sciences

Lab/organ-on-chip technologies

Numerous research groups at the University of Twente, and a number of high-tech SMEs (most are in the region Twente) are developing different lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip devices. NanoBio focuses on the realization and production of these devices such that they are cost-effective, robust, and ready to be used in different application areas. 

Different materials as well as methods for manufacturing chips are being explored, such as 3D printing, laser engraving and micromachining. Integration of sensors, read-out units, and the integration of chips into larger systems is explored, such that a chip can be used outside a well-equipped lab environment. This includes the development of interfaces.

NanoBio is also involved into the development of a heart-on-a-chip device. Living cardiomyocytes are brought into a microfluidic channel, and are kept alive under conditions (fluids, surfaces) such that they behave as in our body. Final aim is develop the chip towards a device that can be used for detecting cardiotoxicity of drugs and other compounds, and as such replace animal testing, that is now used for this purpose.


 

Current projects:
- ResOOC
- Quickstep
- LOC2Use
- Heart-on-a-Chip (finished)