Corona pandemic underscores the importance of medical technology suppliers to ensure supply

In close parallel to the world's largest and leading medical trade fair MEDICA, the international industry event No. 1 for suppliers of the medical technology industry, COMPAMED, will take place completely virtually for the first time in its history from November 16 to 19, 2020, due to the pandemic. More than 1,000 exhibitors from 56 nations are participating in virtual MEDICA (https://virtual.MEDICA.de) and virtual COMPAMED 2020 (https://virtual.COMPAMED.de), with around 150 of them taking part in the virtual edition of COMPAMED.

"Collaborations regarding development, manufacturing, supply chain management, sales, and marketing ensure planning certainty and the ability to act within the medical technology industry, and have rarely been of such high importance as they are in the current phase," emphasizes Wolfram Diener, Chairman of the Executive Board, regarding virtual COMPAMED 2020, during which the supplier sector will showcase its know-how and innovative high-tech solutions as a strong partner for the medical technology industry.

International online visitors can expect a comprehensive program consisting of three central areas: Conference Area (conference program), Exhibition Space (exhibitors and new products), and Networking Plaza (networking/matchmaking).

Microtechnologies against COVID-19

Innovation is also a focus at virtual COMPAMED for the supplier market of medical manufacturing, emphasizing solutions that help overcome the pandemic quickly and effectively. Many companies active in microtechnology are involved here. Several are organized within the IVAM Microtechnology Association. The association organizes the English-language HIGH-TECH FORUM in the Conference Area of virtual COMPAMED, which on the second day of the event (November 17) will feature a dedicated session under the theme "Fight against Coronavirus" (from 2 p.m.). Microfluidics is a core technology in this context to advance reliable and affordable rapid testing methods or point-of-care diagnostics. Microfluidic systems offer many advantages, including short analysis times, reduced production costs, and low sample and reagent consumption—all crucial in combating the pandemic. For example, automated analysis devices are essential for extensive testing capacity for the novel coronavirus. Automation, through parallel and faster processes, significantly increases testing numbers, saves personnel, and ensures process reliability.

microLIQUID is among the experts for contract development and manufacturing of microfluidic disposable systems based on polymers. The company collaborates with microfluidic designers and bioscientific process developers focusing on applications in the fastest-growing areas of life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. microLIQUID's manufacturing services are tailored to customer requirements and fully comply with leading industry and regulatory standards, including ISO 13485. Their solutions enable clients to produce small quantities, set up new production lines, or scale to mass production using proprietary automated and scalable technologies. With its expertise, microLIQUID positions itself as a partner for the development and production of fully automated sample preparation and molecular diagnostics systems.

Miniaturization of optoelectronic modules and components

The role of microtechnology in vaccine and drug development is equally significant. As an established provider of complex and reliable miniaturization solutions, AEMtec offers a broad technology portfolio, including wafer back-end services, chip-on-board, flip-chip, 3D integration, and opto-packaging. Customer-specific requirements, especially in the medical field, are also met. "Our focus for this year's COMPAMED participation is on services and miniaturization of optoelectronic modules and components for the medical sector, which is experiencing rapid technological development," emphasizes Jan Trommershausen, Managing Director of AEMtec. The company is involved in various key devices to combat COVID-19, such as components for pipetting robots used in virus testing and drug development, components for DNA sequencing in genetic and virus analysis, and detector components for CT scanners. These can also be used for lung scans of affected patients even before test results are available.

Using Piezo Technology to Combat the Coronavirus

In the forum session "Fight against Coronavirus," Physik Instrumente (PI) will also present the role of piezo technology. "At our virtual booth, we will also showcase our standard and custom piezo elements for liquid handling, therapeutic ultrasound, and minimally invasive endoscopy, as well as transducers and subassemblies for ultrasound applications. Our experts will be available in the online sessions to discuss, among other topics, the significance of piezo technology during COVID-19 times—and will be available for live chat," explains Annemarie Oesterle, Medical Technology Manager at PI. As a global partner with over 25 years of expertise, PI develops and manufactures sophisticated piezoceramic components and sub-systems for numerous applications in medical technology. State-of-the-art production facilities ensure high quality, flexibility, and punctuality for prototypes, small series, and large-scale production in automated manufacturing lines. For highly dynamic dosing tasks in medical and biotech applications, piezoelectric PICMA multilayer actuators are suitable. They are equipped with a fully ceramic insulation layer and protected against moisture, resulting in an extremely long lifespan. This increased reliability remains under extreme environmental conditions. Due to their low operating voltage and high forces, PICMA actuators can be used in various medical pump and dosing applications, such as precision dosing or cell sorting. Piezoelectric components for distributing and controlling small volumes in the nanoliter to picoliter range enable liquid handling applications in in-vitro diagnostics and laboratory automation, such as PCR or whole-genome sequencing. Miniaturized PICMA chip actuators allow extremely fast and precise droplet formation even in tight spaces.

Biosensors for Multiplex Testing

Although the fight against the current coronavirus will be a significant topic at virtual COMPAMED 2020, the event also covers a wide range of other themes. For years, biosensors for intensive care medicine and diabetes management have been of great interest. Jobst Technologies, part of the Swiss sensor manufacturer Innovative Sensor Technology (IST), introduces a biosensor capable of simultaneously measuring glucose, lactate, glutamine, and glutamate, even from complex mixtures like whole blood. "Our sensors demonstrate high stability in operation. Especially the continuous lactate measurement, which we have been able to implement exclusively so far, makes its use in intensive care medicine possible," explains Gerhard Jobst, founder and CEO of Jobst Technologies. The biosensors operate on an enzymatic amperometric principle, relying on immobilized enzymes to detect target analytes with high specificity and reliability. The flow biosensor can analyze or continuously monitor glucose and lactate from 48 samples per hour, similar to the first glucose and lactate monitors for critically ill patients. Jobst Technologies will present its biosensor and microfluidics portfolio alongside physical and chemical sensors from IST during virtual COMPAMED.

"Printed Diagnostics" from Finland

Another important field at COMPAMED is "printed diagnostics": The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is the largest applied research institute in Northern Europe. VTT will showcase core technologies in printed electronics, wearable technology, biosensors, and diagnostics based on roll-to-roll processes at virtual COMPAMED 2020. The Finnish institute will lead a complete session on "Printed Diagnostics and 3D Printing" at the IVAM HIGH-TECH FORUM. VTT considers itself a "one-stop shop" for research and development of lab-on-chip diagnostics and portable medical technology, offering support from concept to mass production. The Finns rely on their unique manufacturing infrastructure for pilot projects and their extensive experience in printed electronics, biosensors, wireless communication, and materials science.

Given the many exciting topics, virtual COMPAMED comes at exactly the right time for Dr. Thomas Dietrich, Managing Director of IVAM: "We haven't had trade fairs or opportunities to speak with exhibitors and visitors for a long time. Now, finally, that's possible, and IVAM is looking forward to everyone who wants to discuss new products, procedures, or experiences gained during the COVID period."

All information about virtual COMPAMED and virtual MEDICA, including free registration for online visitors and networking in the Networking Plaza, can be found at: https://virtual.COMPAMED.de and https://virtual.MEDICA.de.