BioSens Businessfrühstück

Scientific Exchange on Sustainable Electronics, Biosensing & Smart Materials at IHD

BiotroNiS, in close collaboration with OES – Organic Electronics Saxony, was delighted to host a full‑day scientific exchange at the Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden (IHD). The event brought together researchers, innovators, and partners working at the intersection of bio‑based electronics, sustainable materials, and advanced sensor technologies. This joint initiative provided an excellent platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and highlighted the strength of Saxony’s innovation ecosystem.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks that underscored the importance of cross‑institutional collaboration and the growing relevance of sustainable and bio‑inspired technologies. With participants joining from universities, research institutes, and industry, the event set the stage for a day of focused scientific discussion and networking.

Session 1 – Chair: Dr. Kathrin Harre

The first session featured three contributions that offered complementary perspectives on the future of sustainable and bio‑based electronics.

Patrycja Suchorska‑Woźniak (Politechnika Wrocławska) opened the session with insights into current developments in gas‑sensing technologies and the transition toward more environmentally conscious electronic materials. Her contribution highlighted the potential of biodegradable and nano‑structured systems in next‑generation sensor design.

She was followed by Yvonne Joseph and Linus Stegbauer (TU Freiberg), who addressed sustainability challenges within the electronics industry. Their talk emphasized both the environmental impact of current production processes and emerging strategies for more responsible material use.

The session concluded with a contribution from OES, who provided an overview of funding pathways and upscaling strategies for bio‑ and med‑based electronic technologies. Their perspective offered valuable guidance for researchers aiming to translate laboratory concepts into scalable applications — and also reflected the strong partnership between OES and BiotroNiS in shaping this event.

A networking and coffee break allowed participants to continue their discussions in a more informal setting and explore potential areas of collaboration.

Session 2 – Chair: Dr. Claudio Flores

The second session shifted the focus toward biosensing, organic interfaces, and bio‑inspired materials.

Robert Strutt (Mimotype) presented recent advances in optically active proteins (OAPs) and their potential for biosensing applications in living systems. His contribution illustrated how biological components can be engineered to serve as highly sensitive and adaptable sensing elements.

Next, Francesca Santoro (FZ Jülich) introduced current research on organic materials for neurohybrid interfaces. Her talk highlighted the promise of soft, flexible, and biocompatible materials for bridging electronic systems with neural tissue — a key frontier in bioelectronics.

Following the presentations, participants engaged in another round of networking and informal exchange, continuing the lively scientific dialogue initiated throughout the morning.

BioSens Project Overview

The scientific program continued with an overview of the BioSens project, presented by Hans Kleemann (IAPP – TU Dresden). His talk provided a comprehensive look at current project activities, research objectives, and ongoing collaborations within the consortium. The presentation offered valuable context for how the project integrates expertise from across Saxony to advance bio‑based sensor technologies.

Guided Tour at IHD

In the afternoon, participants were invited to join a guided tour through several research facilities at the Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden. The tour included:

• Wood anatomy and wood science
• Sensor technologies integrated into furniture systems
• The fire testing laboratory
• Research on building components and structural materials

These hands‑on insights provided a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of wood technology, material science, and sensor integration — areas that align closely with the broader goals of BiotroNiS and OES.

Closing Remarks

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, contributors, and participants for their engagement and expertise throughout the day. Special thanks go to OES for their close collaboration in shaping and delivering this event, and to the Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden (IHD) for generously hosting us and providing access to their impressive research facilities.

The day demonstrated once again how interdisciplinary cooperation can accelerate innovation in sustainable electronics, biosensing, and smart materials. We look forward to continuing this momentum and deepening our partnerships across Saxony and beyond.