Nano enabled components are essential key parts for microfluidic applications - mostly in form of nano-enabled surfaces (NES) and nano-enabled membranes (NEMs). However, crucial challenges hinder the transfer of NES and NEMs into commercial microfluidic devices. Current production technologies (e.g. injection moulding) don’t allow large volume upscaling of complex nano-patterned surfaces and the produced microfluidic components need to be handled in single pieces in all subsequent processes. Therefore, subsequent backend processing (nano-coatings, printing of nano-based inks, lamination of NEMs) demands for complex single peace handling operations. This restricts upscaling potential and process throughput. The proposed project NextGenMicrofluidics addresses this challenge with a platform for production of NES and NEMs based microfluidics on large area polymer foils. This approach enables upscaling to high throughput of 1 million devices per year and more. The polymer foil technology is complemented with classic technologies of injection moulding and wafer based glass and silicon processing. These core facilities are combined with essential backend processing steps like high resolution biomolecule printing with the worldwide first roll-to-roll microarray spotter, printing of nano-enabled inks, as well as coating and lamination processes. These unique facilities will be combined and upgraded to a platform for testing of upscaling of microfluidic use cases from TRL4 to TRL7. The services comprise device simulation, mastering of nanostructures, nanomaterial development, material testing, rapid prototyping, device testing, nano-safety assessment and support in regulatory and standardization issues. The platform will be opened for additional use cases from outside of the consortium, and is therefore called Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB). The operation of such use cases will form the basis for self-sufficient operation of the platform after the project duration of 4 years

Roll-to-roll (R2R) technologies are mature core processes in manufacturing lines for graphical printing industry. In several other areas (e.g. electronics or optics) R2R techniques are emerging, being expected to notably lower the unit prices of flexible devices. In particular, recently developed roller-based nanoimprinting methods enable unrivalled throughput and productivity for precise fabrication of micro- and nanoscale patterns. Areas that will benefit strongly from adopting such R2R nanoimprinting technologies are microfluidics and lab-on-chip products for diagnostics, drug discovery and food control. Such devices require combined printing of micro- and nanostructures and large quantities at low unit costs. The project R2R Biofluidics aims on the development of a complete process chain for first-time realization of production lines for two selected bioanalytical lab-on-chip devices based on high-throughput R2R nanoimprinting in combination with complementary printing and manufacturing technologies. Two types of demonstrators will be fabricated targeting application areas, which would clearly benefit from technology advancement in high volume manufacturing, show large potential for commercial exploitation and adopt current standard formats (microtiter plate and microscope slides). Demonstrator 1 will represent an in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) chip suitable for point-of-care applications, showing improved sensitivity thanks to imprinted nanoscale optical structures and microfluidic channels. R2R fabrication will further greatly reduce production costs and increase manufacturing capacity with respect to currently used products. Demonstrator 2 will provide a device for improved neuron based high-throughput screening assays in drug development. It will consist of nano– to microstructured, interconnected channels in combination with dedicated biofunctionalized surfaces for alignment and controlled growth of neurons.

SIXTHSENSE is a multidisciplinary innovation and research action with the overall aim to significantly improve efficacy and safety of first responders’ deployment in hazardous environments by optimising on-site team coordination and mission execution. Between the booming EU economy and the climate change, the number and consequences of disasters occurring in inaccessible rural areas is on a constant rise. First responder deployments in extreme conditions such as fighting wildfires or alpine search and rescue missions have gone from exceptional to regular events in only a couple of decades. As this trend is likely to continue, the risks for wellbeing of the engaged first responders continue to grow. To avoid the loss of life or lasting consequences on the first responders’ health, it is important that the key physiological parameters of deployed operatives are monitored in a way that provides timely and actionable information, without hindering their operational capacity. The SIXTHSENSE is a wearable health monitoring system with closed loop tactile biofeedback, that allows first responders in hazardous situations to sense their current health status. It allows early detection of risk factors that could lead to rapid deterioration of health or operation capabilities of first responders, by leveraging predictive models based on multimodal biosensor data. As a team management tool it enables real-time monitoring of all deployed operatives, helping increase team effectiveness and operational safety. To help accelerate the pace of technological advancements aimed at first responders, beyond the scope of the project, SIXTHSENSE will establish a novel research methodology for sustainable inclusion of first responders in a co-development process. A comprehensive framework will allow practitioners to significantly contribute in all stages of the development process, without excessively burdening the first responders with activities outside the domain of their expertise.