Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses IZI-BBConference / May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Microphysiological Systems – World Summit
Emulating human biology for patients’ benefit and a safer environment in the 21st century and beyond.
Microphysiologial Systems World Summit 2026
Event details
Program
Meet Dr. Katja Uhlig as a guest speaker at the World Summit – Microphysiological Systems in Washington, DC.
Presenting: »Unleashing the power of NAMs through microsensing«
Location
Washington, DC
Date
May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Language
English
Abstract
Unleashing the power of NAMs by microsensing
Marie Flechner1, Lena Wedeken2, Christian RA Regenbrecht2,3, Sebastian Prill1, Magnus Jaeger1, Hanna Glasebach4, Anke Burger-Kentischer4, Lars Daehne5, Katja Uhlig1
1Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, IZI-BB, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Potsdam, Germany;
2CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany;
3ASC Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany;
4Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Stuttgart, Germany
5Surflay GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
In‑vitro testing methods for pharmacological drug development and the evaluation of new cosmetics share a key characteristic: very small reaction volumes, typically in the microliter range. These volumes place high demands on analytical methods, including limited space, strict sterility, and the need to avoid disrupting the biological system. Consequently, signal-amplifying, mostly enzyme-based endpoint assays have dominated to date, enabling highly specific detection of inflammatory reactions, endocrine factors, and other parameters. However, these methods are generally destructive and thus only of limited use for time-resolved investigations of pharmacodynamics, adaptation, or long-term effects.
For continuous measurements over days to weeks, sensors need to be miniaturized, non-invasive, regenerable, low-drift, and adaptable to different test environments from static set-ups in microtiterplates to dynamic microfluidic systems.
This contribution discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various sensor concepts for MPS and presents an overview of their selection and integration. Using a liver MPS for toxicological evaluation, a tumor MPS for efficacy testing, and a skin MPS for the detection of cosmetic-induced inflammatory reactions, the presentation demonstrates how time-resolved measurements of metabolic and functional parameters can complement classical endpoint analyses and enhance the informative value of MPS-based testing strategies.