Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWSLab-on-Chip Incubator System for Optical Tissue Diagnostics
The project “LOC-OGD-Sys” establishes an integrated infrastructure for reproducible in vitro pharmacological experiments. This funded infrastructure measure focuses on developing a lab-on-chip (LoC) incubator and diagnostic system that, within the closely linked project »Optical Tissue Diagnostics for Lab-on-Chip Applications (OGD-LOC)«, reproduces the typical scope of an animal study series.
Multiple miniature laboratories in the form of lab-on-chip systems operate together inside a single incubator under defined conditions. The system precisely controls temperature, humidity and atmospheric composition. A microfluidic supply unit continuously delivers media to all LoC devices and ensures stable experimental conditions throughout the test series.
Dense optical monitoring relies on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Via an application module, the system captures all LoC devices sequentially and automatically. A motion control unit with autofocus functionality supports reproducible three-dimensional data acquisition over the entire duration of the experiments.
Inline data processing evaluates the optical measurement data in real time and integrates machine learning into the analysis of the 3D datasets. This approach enables closed-loop adjustment of incubation parameters when required. At the same time, real-time data export identifies failed experiments at an early stage and allows targeted shortening of test series.
At project completion, a system demonstrator for tissue studies with inline monitoring will be available. The platform supports in vitro drug testing and contributes to replacing animal experiments.