The era of micro and nano systems in the biomedical area: Bridging the research and innovation gap

• Published in: 2011 Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Vol. 2011; pp. 1548 - 1551
• Main Author: Lymberis, A.
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Biomedical Engineering - instrumentation; Biomedical Engineering - trends; Biomedical monitoring; Biosensing Techniques - instrumentation; Biosensing Techniques - trends; European Union; Information and communication technologies; Medical diagnostic imaging; Medical services; Micros & nano systems; Monitoring; Monitoring, Ambulatory - instrumentation; Monitoring, Ambulatory - trends; nano-bio convergence; Nanobioscience; Nanomedicine - instrumentation; Nanomedicine - trends; Research - trends; Sensors; Smart textile; Technology Assessment, Biomedical; Technology Transfer; Telemetry - instrumentation; Telemetry - trends; Textiles; wearable systems
• ISBN: 9781424441211; 1424441218
• ISSN: 1094-687X; 1557-170X; 1558-4615
• DOI: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090451

The area of Micro and Nano systems (MNS) focuses on heterogeneous integration of technologies (e.g. electronics, mechanics and biotechnology) and implementation of multiple functionalities (e.g. sensing, processing, communication, energy and actuation) into small systems. A significant amount of MNS activities targets development and testing of systems enabling biomedicine and personal health solutions. Convergence of micro-nano-bio and Information & communication technologies is being leading to enabling innovative solutions e.g. for in-vitro testing and in vivo interaction with the human body for early diagnosis and minimally invasive therapy. Of particular interest are smart wearable systems such as smart textiles aiming at the full integration of sensors/actuators, energy sources, processing and communication within the clothes to enable non-invasive personal health, lifestyle, safety and emergency applications. The paper presents on going major R&D activities on micro-nano-bio systems (MNBS) and wearable systems for pHealth under the European Union R&D Programs, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) priority; it also identifies gaps and discusses key challenges for the future.