CSEM Tools for Life Sciences: Reflecting on a Transformative Year 

Bioconvergence: The Next Frontier 

CSEM stands at the forefront of the bioconvergence megatrend, where biology, engineering, and digitalization unite to elevate healthcare and life sciences. By merging biology with technology, we are pioneering advancements in biosensing, cell technologies, lab automation, and artificial intelligence to bring tailored treatments to patients efficiently and effectively. 

Highlights of our work include

• Brain-on-Chip: In collaboration with 3Brain and the Bern University of Applied Sciences, we co-developed the 24-well CorePlate™, a cutting-edge tool for brain research that transforms a standard cell culture dish into an intelligent device for handling both 2D and 3D models of human brain cells, enabling precise electrical stimulation and recording. 
• Organoid-Driven Cancer Research: CSEM’s smart lid, developed for Roche, is used in cancer research with organoid-on-plate technology, ensuring continuous and unidirectional perfusion for steady flow of immune cells and drugs. 
• Tissue engineering: Our collaboration with ClexBio led to a novel bioreactor. ClexBio’s VivoSet™ technology provides ideal conditions for co-culture of human cells to create anatomical features found in the body, such as microvasculature and extracellular matrix architectures. 
• AI in Life Sciences: Our work on the DeepBINN architecture, which won the best scientific short paper at SDS2024, advances the interpretability of "black box" neural networks by learning the importance of pathways during training. 
• ORGADROID: The CSEM start-up Visienco’s automated organoid sorting system accelerates drug development with advanced imaging and AI-driven classification. 

Highlights of our work include

• Early Preeclampsia Detection: In collaboration with MOMM Diagnostics, we have enhanced the robustness of a digital-sensitive lateral flow solution for early preeclampsia detection. Clinical validation results are expected by 2025. 
• Fertility Monitoring: Partnering with Impli and Yalosys, we are developing the CERES implantable biosensor for real-time fertility hormone monitoring. This innovative biosensor will enable women to track key fertility biomarkers continuously, offering personalized insights into their reproductive health. 
• Oral Health Monitoring: With Ivoclar, our efforts led to Entoothiast AG and the development of iTOOTH, a non-invasive wearable device that uses saliva to provide continuous insights into oral and overall health. 
• Urine Diagnostics: Collaborations with the Swiss TPH Institute and University Hospital Basel have advanced urine diagnostics platforms, integrating new sensors and clinical validations. 
• Bioprocessing Innovation: With Oryl Photonics, we have introduced a light-scattering instrument for solubility measurements. Developed within the Innosuisse Project EASY, this technology offers rapid, cost-effective solutions beyond HPLC capabilities. 
• Advanced microfluidics: With Surfix Diagnostics we developed a scalable manufacturing process for the Assay Development System (ADS) cartridge, a test platform to develop assays for their customers using Surfix's PIC technology.   

Engaging the Life Sciences Community 

Networking and collaboration are at the heart of innovation in Life Sciences. This year, CSEM, in partnership with the FHNW, launched the Next-Gen Single-Cell Omics Workshop, focusing on cells in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and clinical diagnostics. There was an inspiring opening by Ben Hindson from 10x Genomics. The workshop aimed to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and address barriers in their implementation. 

Additionally, the 7th Swiss Symposium on Point-of-Care Diagnostics, co-organized with HES-SO and the ZHAW, featured a keynote on the challenges of overdiagnosis by Prof. Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jønsson and Prof. John Brandt Brodersen. Their insights underscored the dual crisis of overdiagnosis in developed regions and underdiagnosis in underserved areas, which together strain healthcare systems globally. 

The 7th Edition of the Precision Liquid Handling Conference was another milestone. Keynote speakers Alex Studer and Christoph Jung highlighted groundbreaking advancements in precision liquid handling and automation, setting a benchmark for innovation in laboratory workflows. 

Finally, CSEM hosted the first event of the MedPhab association on Photonic innovations in MedTech. The event gathered more than 100 participants from across Europe to discuss how innovations in photonic technologies are driving new medical applications such as in surgery, diagnostics and therapy planning. We thank our MedPhab partners VTT, Philips, JABIL Healthcare, Tyndall, and Joanneum Research for their engaging and future-looking collaboration to place Europe at the forefront of phonotic innovation!  

Interested in collaborating with our Tools for Life Sciences team? Please reach out and contact us via our contact page. We are looking to reading from you!

Samantha Paoletti & Gilles Weder
Co-Heads R&BD, Life Science Technologies