A new interface between cells and technology

Many modern biosensing methods reach their physical and biological limits when it comes to the continuous monitoring of intracellular processes. Conventional sensors are often invasive or only of limited use for real-time measurements in living systems.

The WITS-2 (Wireless Intracellular Transceiver System) project addresses this challenge through a fundamentally new approach: the cell itself becomes part of the measurement system. The aim is to record biochemical signals non-invasively and transmit them wirelessly. This gives rise to a new concept for linking biological processes and technical signal processing.

Development of micro and nano systems for biological measurements

As part of the GO-Bio initial feasibility phase, novel components in the micro- and nanometre range are designed, simulated and manufactured. The development utilises multiphysics simulations to accurately predict the behaviour of the systems under physiological conditions.

Technical implementation is carried out by the Technical University of Munich, whilst experimental validation takes place in close collaboration with the Dresden University of Technology, where the systems are tested and further developed under biologically relevant conditions.

Another key focus is on the integration of specially developed molecular receptors into synthetic vesicles (Giant Unilamellar Vesicles, GUVs). The aim is to investigate how biological and technical components interact and how these interfaces can be stabilised.

Two prototypes for research and application

Based on this work, two complementary prototypes are developed:

• WITS-Lab, which enables the detailed analysis of intracellular processes under controlled conditions, is designed for use in cell and organoid research.
• WITS-Patch is a wearable system for the continuous monitoring of physiological parameters within the human body, opening up the prospect of long-term, minimally invasive health monitoring.

Both systems provide the basis for a scalable platform technology in biosensor technology that extends far beyond individual applications.

Prospects for biomedical research and diagnostics

By combining synthetic biology, nanotechnology and wireless data transmission, WITS-2 opens up an interdisciplinary field of research with high innovation potential. Ultimately, the technology will enable the simultaneous monitoring of multiple biochemical processes directly within tissue.

In the long term, this opens up potential applications in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics and personalised health monitoring. Prospective applications in the field of elite sport are also explored.

GO-Bio initial explores the feasibility of this novel systems approach and lays the foundations for its potential further development into a platform technology.

To learn more about funded GO-Bio projects, visit the overview page.