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68 The PCB Magazine • February 2017 sensor surface. Gassmann explained that the solution eventually required a redesign of the sensor with a secondary solder mask defined gold-plated layer. The PCB fabricators in the audience were not at all surprised at this and an interesting discussion on precious metal plating technology ensued. Gassmann closed by emphasising the need for innovative PCB fabricators to partner with technically minded researchers and commented that from "lab to fab" a special effort is needed. Dr. Felismina Moreira, post-doctoral researcher at BioMark Sensor Research in the School of Engineering of the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Portugal, was next to address the audience. Moreira described a fabrication process for screen-printed electrodes (SPE) on conductive paper using a PVC, ceramic or PCB support. The biorecognition elements of the sensor used biomimetic techniques of molecular imprinting to make "plastic antibodies," the plastic being later extracted to form artificial antibodies. The technology was demonstrated with the example of a carcinogenic embryonic antigen detector using a silver electrode on a PCB support. Carcinoembryonic antigens are harmful substances (usually proteins) that are produced by some types of cancer; the test is used to check how well treatment is working in certain types of cancer. The electrochemical behaviour of the electrodes and the analytical response and selectivity of the detector were shown; this demonstrated the sensing materials stability and suitability for the task. Moreira closed by stating that PCB technology with silver tracks offers great advantages in terms of cost with real cost of each SPE in the range of a few Euro cents. The workshop then moved on to the subject of bioanalysis integration which was presented by Prof. Frank Bier of the Department of Biosystems Integration and Automation at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Germany. Bier explained that diagnostics are moving to where they are needed—the point of care. He stated that with an ageing society and better known biomarkers that diagnostics will be the pharma market of the future. He used an image of a "Star Trek" tricorder and went on to say that the best solution would be based on less infrastructure and miniaturisation but that diagnostic quality must equal that of a traditional laboratory. An integrated approach with new interfaces, perhaps expert systems and sensor ruled implants would form the necessary diagnostics as part of an early warning health system. Bier stated that it was critical to make the correct decision on technology early in the development cycle as this defines the ultimate cost of production and avoids falling into "Death Valley" on the product life cycle curve. Bier ended his presentation with an introduction to the "Fraunhofer ivD-platform» which consists of a credit-card sized cartridge and a small read-out unit. By taking a small volume of sample and insertion into the Fraunhofer ivD-platform, assays based on a microarray are performed automatically. Within 10 to 15 minutes, a multitude of different parameters can simultaneously be measured and displayed. Bier explained that the platform minimises interfaces between the test cartridge and the measurement device and is an open platform for different sensor types including optical and electronic. Developments of the ivD platform are continuing and will cover new assay formats including nucleic acid based detection for antibody resistance, epigenetic patterns for transfusions and transplants, non-coding and circular RNA and liquid biopsy. Prior to the open panel discussion Steve Driver, the CEO of SCL PCB Solutions Group, addressed the delegates and thanked the speakers and participants in an enthusiastic address highlighting his passion for this technology and motivation to make products for an industry with a bright future. He echoed the sentiment around the room from those connected with EIPC WORKSHOP ON PCB BIOMEMS Dr. Felismina Moreira Prof. Frank Bier Steve Driver