Micro and nanotechnologies to support life

The Microtechniques park has put biomedical engineering at the top of its action priorities. That is particularly reflected by:

• A large quantity of work by the Biomedical commission along with the Pierre Vernier Institute
• Very active participation at the relevant industry fairs - MEDTEC in Stuttgart and MEDISIAMS in Moutier - with the making of dedicated brochures in three languages.
• A very large number of approved scientific projects; the departments of FEMTO-ST and the regional University Hospital are currently working on 17 research projects in collaboration with companies or other universities and institutes,
• A large number of companies are interested in taking part in collective action (SCOUT-M).

A few examples of the medical projects of the Microtechniques centre

ULTRASUR for treating tumours with focussed ultrasound

The techniques for treating tumours with focussed power ultrasound, called HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) are developing fast. The process is quick and not very invasive; the side effects are often smaller than those of alternative techniques (surgery, radiotherapy, Curie therapy, chemotherapy etc.).

The development of these techniques requires a source of high-performance focused power ultrasound. Imasonic, a company based in Besançon in Franche-Comté, has developed unique know-how in the area.

The ULTRASUR project is being carried out by IMASONIC, ITT Industries and the laboratories of FEMTO-ST. It is aimed at developing these sources of focused power ultrasound. In the medical industry, these sources are intended for tumour treatment systems with high energy and spatial performance and a high level of operating safety. The project particularly relates to the study of the effects of the ageing of materials and structures under high acoustic strain. Innovative solutions and concepts will also be developed. Industrial applications will be experimented.

SCOUT-M: The expertise in microtechniques must help healthcare advance

The SCOUT-M project aims to offer commercial support to these companies in the biomedical market.

First of all, they will be helped to find a position in these future growth markets and verify their ability to meet the quality requirements of those markets. They could thus then think of diversification. The project will subsequently help initiate an operational process to support them in the understanding of the requirements of their customers and finally offer the market innovative and competitive solutions for the entire industry.

With SCOUT-M, microtechniques know-how will make a valuable contribution to the development of this growing market.

17 projects involving laboratories and businesses help healthcare advance

From the treatment of prostate cancer using non-invasive surgery to embedded microsystems for the diagnosis of infections, the improvement of radiotherapy methods and treatment or embryo-compatible manipulation for in-vitro fertilisation, the projects of FEMTO-ST laboratories, the University Hospital and specialised companies are contributing to the excellence of microtechnology and nanotechnology know-how at the service of healthcare in Franche-Comté.

The microtechniques park is taking part in the development and exploitation of these top projects, which do not merely help science advance, but also make the patient more comfortable.

MEDICALIP: cytomegalovirus can be diagnosed earlier!

In newborn babies, cytomegalovirus infection can lead to late clinical expressions and serious neurological and sensorial consequences. A fast and easy system for diagnosing the infection would be a major step forward as compared to the techniques used today.

That is the aim of the MEDICALIP project, which studies the manufacturing and performance of embedded microsystems designed to diagnose the infection. Besides, the project is aimed at reducing the quantity of biological fluid required for the diagnosis.

With the Optics department of Pr Duffieux in the FEMTO-ST Institute, the University Hospitals of Besançon and Dijon, a unit of the INSERM Toulouse and two companies, STATICE SANTE and ALCIS, are taking part in the project.