The synergistic combination of consolidated scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technologies, such as nanotechnology, rational design, materials science and microfluidics, has given rise to biosensors, devices of great interest. These devices have proven their usefulness in various sectors, such as medical, agricultural and environmental, standing out for their practicality, sensitivity, reproducibility and rapid response. However, a critical analysis of the global biosensor market reveals a bottleneck in the level of technological readiness in the development of prototypes, corresponding to a significant gap between academic research and industrial investments.
The GRIDIRON project “intelliGent automated testing of electRonIc DevIces foR covid detectiON” developed by AIR Institute in collaboration with Embio Diagnostics and FIW Consulting, represents a significant step towards efficiency and accuracy in the detection of diseases such as COVID-19 through biosensors.
The biosensors market and its potential
The global biosensors market size reached $22.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% between 2021 and 2028. Biosensors, owing to their ability to assess health status and disease onset and progression, are widely used in home healthcare by patients, which is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancements and various non-medical applications are set to enhance the applicability of the biosensors market, thereby fostering its growth.
Automation for excellence in detection
Faced with this situation, the need arises to automate and optimize production processes in the manufacture of biosensors and auxiliary electronic materials to reduce costs and minimize false negatives in diagnostic tests. In this context, we observe a growing trend in investment in solutions that detect production failures in increasingly automated biosensor manufacturing environments. This is where the GRIDIRON project becomes relevant by addressing these issues and focusing on the detection and prevention of potential errors in the circuitry, electrodes and vials used in testing.
The combination of scientific knowledge with intelligent automation seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial implementation, while meeting a growing demand in an expanding global market. Technology continues to advance, and it is in projects such as this that the potential to improve public health and redefine the intersection between science and technology lies.
The DIH2 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 824964.
