In vitro diagnostics (IVD) is a requirement for recognizing diseases in blood, saliva, and urine samples. Some IVDs are used for analysis in laboratories, while point-of-care (PoC) tests are used close to the patient. However, all IVDs have one thing in common: Tiny liquid samples, in the milli- or picoliter range, are moved. For the handheld PoC devices, it is important for the components to be small and space-saving.
Learn moreAuthor: Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
Point-of-Care Testing: The Pocket Laboratory
Piezoceramics Enable Precise Liquid Handling in Point-of-Care Testing
Piezo versus Pandemic
Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures Based on Piezo Technology
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
What does piezo technology have to do with COVID-19? In the fight against the Corona virus, piezo components enable diagnosis and therapy procedures, from PCR tests to respirators.
Learn moreAnalyzing the Surface Conditions on Mars
Supporting Research of the Red Planet with the Help of Multilayer Piezo Actuators in the Curiosity Mars Rover
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
The CheMin instrument of the Curiosity Mars Rover performs chemical and mineralogical analyses on Mars rocks. In order to analyze rock samples, the rock powder first has to be sorted. PICMA Stack multilayer piezo actuators from PI Ceramic qualified for this task. They carry out the oscillations required in material selection and supply at a defined frequency. Due to their all-ceramic insulation, they are ideal for long-term use in outer space conditions at a temperature close to the absolute zero and with extremely low ambient pressure.
Learn moreSmart Vaccine Patch Production with Piezo Elements
Fight Against COVID-19
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, modern vaccination technologies are gaining importance as they promise to protect the world population from future pandemics. Vaccine patches are one of these next generation applications and piezo components or actuators can be used to precisely dispense tiniest droplets on the microneedles.
Learn moreUltrasonic Metering in Intensive Care Devices
Fight Against COVID-19
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
Viruses and other infections particularly affect people with pre-existing conditions such as renal or cardiovascular diseases. In regard to the treatment and therapy of such illnesses, the demands on the medical devices used are ever increasing. Piezo technology offers various possibilities to improve them: Using piezo transducers, for example, makes intensive care devices such as infusion systems smarter and facilitates vital patient monitoring.
Learn morePiezo Technology for Medical Ventilators and Nebulizers
Fight Against COVID-19
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
Chronic respiratory diseases like mucoviscidosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but also bronchitis, influenza and lung diseases related to COVID-19 require extensive medical treatment. Medical ventilators and nebulizers have a significant part in improving patients’ clinical condition and treating their illnesses. Piezo-driven devices offer high precision and efficiency as well as hygienic advantages.
Learn morePiezo Ceramics Enable Precise Liquid Handling for in Vitro Diagnostics
Fight Against COVID-19
· Dr. Annemarie Oesterle
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) opens up numerous possibilities for early diagnosis and detection of diseases. The requirements for fluid handling in IVD devices are extremely demanding: very small quantities of fluids with different properties must be dosed or moved with high precision. Piezoelectric components and actuators perform these tasks.
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