Why 2018 will be big for these product launches

Compamed is a key event for MPN readers. Here are some of stand-out launches from this annual event.

The recent Compamed exhibition (13-16 Nov) attracted a total of 780 exhibitors from 35 countries. There was even greater international participation than ever before and almost 20,000 trade visitors.

The fact that the supplier sector for the medical technology industry remains optimistic about growth is without a doubt a contributor to its success. Digitisation and miniaturisation are currently the most important drivers that are pushing progress in micro-technology as well as other areas rapidly forwards.

The demand for smart miniaturised components destined for use in medical products and efficient high-precision production processes is still rapidly increasing, according to IVAM, the Professional Association for Microtechnology. The association, which serves an international product market, attends the fair every year.

Smart ‘peas’ that can be sterilised

The Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems (ENAS) was also pursuing the trend towards miniaturisation. The institute travelled to the event with its ‘Sens-o-Spheres’ project, developed in conjunction with the Bioprocess Engineering Faculty at the Technical University of Dresden and industrial partners. ‘Sens-o-Spheres’ are pea-sized sensors used to monitor bio-reactor processes in the millilitre to litre range. Using the currently smallest sensors in the world, they move freely within the reaction volume and so supply continuous measurements from all areas of the reactor. The sterilisable ‘peas’ have been designed to help improve and develop processes in the pharmaceuticals and life-sciences industries. They can be recharged overnight.

Shoe insoles with pressure sensors

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) is working on entirely different applications for its sensors. These measure the distribution of pressure in shoe insoles and so map gait and walking profiles. The data is sent via Bluetooth to a PC or smartphone to be processed. “By analysing gaits and using acoustic signals while doing so, it is our aim to help people doing sports during their free time prevent injuries, rehabilitate better and improve their results,” says Lars Blohm, scientist.

A whole lab in your pocket

The Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) has developed a whole pocket-sized lab that may in future be used to quickly and easily locate disease indicators in the bloodstream – and to do so at patients' homes. The lab will do away with the need for specialist physicians, all that it requires is a disposable fluorescence chip and a smartphone.

Nano coating reduces friction in seals

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions presented its new method of coating for elastomers in Düsseldorf. The layers that this method creates are just a few hundred nanometres thin. The new coatings help simplify the installation of sealing systems while improving the quality and extending the service lives of technical medical devices.