The TechPat nano project aimed to make cutting-edge bio- and nanotechnologies from Baden-Württemberg available to patients in a targeted manner and to prepare applications for personalized medical diagnostics of the future. 

In the future, rapid molecular diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and therapy-monitoring diagnostics at the point of care are intended to become possible. By making test results available quickly, treatment can be individually adapted to patients’ needs and continuously optimized. Patient care in the home setting can be improved through telemedicine services by enabling medications such as antibiotics or immunosuppressants to be selected and dosed in a targeted manner. 

The project was based on two pillars: translational research and technological system development. 

TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT 

For the technological system development, key technologies from Baden-Württemberg were used to prepare and demonstrate the next generation of patient-centered diagnostics. A mobile diagnostic platform was developed that can be used as a miniaturized screening test for detecting infectious pathogens. A microfluidic chip was established as a laboratory prototype capable of automating all analytical steps. The reagents are preloaded into the chip, while fluid regulation takes place passively. The system enables simple operation and rapid testing. 

In addition, an electrochemical analyte detection system was developed to enable molecular diagnostics in homecare and telemedicine applications. 

A nanopore biosensor was also developed as a non-invasive monitoring test for small molecules and peptide biomarkers to accompany therapy. By using nanopores, either through biological pore-forming proteins or solid-state nanopores, individual analyte molecules can be detected with high resolution. The sensor can, for example, be used to monitor the progression of chronic kidney disease or predict rejection following kidney transplantation. 

The TechPat nano project developed methods for producing high-quality dielectric membranes and successfully integrated nanopores. By combining genetically modified biological nanopores with a novel ASIC/CMOS amplifier, high-resolution electrophysiological measurements could be performed. 

The project therefore contributed to making nanotechnologies accessible for medical applications and developing innovative diagnostic procedures that combine the advantages of molecular detection methods with those of rapid testing.