Microfluidic screening platform for circadian and sleep-relevant bioactives
Fraunhofer IMM offers adaptable microfluidic lab-on-chip concepts for animal-free screening of dietary bioactives on sleep- and circadian-relevant biology. The approach combines automated dosing, human-relevant cell models, and quantitative optical, molecular, and immunological readouts to support ingredient discovery and validation.
Overview
Fraunhofer IMM offers a configurable technology portfolio for screening dietary bioactives on sleep- and circadian-relevant biology using animal-free microfluidic lab-on-chip formats. The platform can integrate suitable human- or animal-derived cells with automated substance dosing and controlled exposure, enabling miniaturized, automatable, and human-relevant testing. Downstream readouts can be tailored to the sponsor's needs, covering quantifiable end-points such as clock gene reporter activity, neuronal signaling markers, and other cellular responses.
Technical specifications
Core capabilities:
- Microfluidic lab-on-chip formats designed for non-animal, microphysiological testing
- Automated substance dosing and controlled exposure workflows
- Integration of human- or animal-derived cell models, including organ-on-chip systems
- Ultra-high-precision cell dispensing for reproducible assay setup
- Readout options including automated optical imaging, molecular biological assays, and immunological end-points
- Quantitative measures such as clock gene reporter activity and neuronal signaling markers
Microfabrication and prototyping:
- Microfluidic flow cells, cartridges, and lab demonstrators
- Production methods including CNC milling, injection molding, hot embossing, and cleanroom fabrication
- In-house workshops for rapid prototyping and demonstration units
Technology readiness level
The offering is positioned as a concept and development collaboration. A typical engagement begins with joint definition of the sponsor's target use case, bioactive classes, endpoints, and throughput needs, followed by a first concept phase to evaluate candidate cell models and circadian- or neuronal-relevant readouts. Subsequent work can adapt chip architecture, dosing protocols, and analytical workflows for complex substances, with the option to advance toward a scalable screening format or external testing service for sponsor-defined ingredient libraries.
About Fraunhofer Institute
Fraunhofer is a large, multi-site applied research organization based in Germany, operating a nationwide network of institutes and research units with a strong industry-facing mission. Its contract-research model aligns work to real manufacturing and deployment needs, with pilot lines, test labs, and demonstration facilities for validation and scale-up. Many institutes are integrated with nearby universities and regional industry clusters, enabling joint appointments, shared infrastructure, and fast talent pipelines. Research is supported by competitive European programs alongside German federal and state funding, complemented by extensive contract revenue from private-sector collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer function manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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