Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Diagnostics – Precise and Digital Diagnostics

Developing New Active Ingredients and Vaccines

Many diseases are detected too late or inaccurately, resulting in a loss of valuable time for targeted treatment, especially for cancer and chronic diseases. Fraunhofer researchers are developing highly sensitive diagnostic methods that detect biological markers, pathogens or functional changes at an early stage. 

Project examples (selection)

 

© Fraunhofer MEVIS

AI for Faster, more Reliable Tumor Monitoring

The AI-supported software OncoChange relieves radiologists from evaluating CT follow-up examinations. It automatically measures lesions and detects relevant changes, saving time-consuming manual searches in past images. 

4D Clinic Combines Immunological Expertise for Patients

Immune disorders often affect several organs at the same time. If medical responsibilities are shared among different doctors, this can result in information gaps, longer diagnosis times and less precise treatment decisions. The 4D Clinic combines rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology in a transdisciplinary care team. 

 

© Fraunhofer IZI

Precise Sampling from Blood to Breath

As analytical instruments become increasingly sensitive, the quality of the sample becomes even more important. New systems for samples ranging from blood, nasal secretions and exhaled air to earwax enable high-quality analysis even for previously underutilized sample types, in some cases without the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure. This is relevant for rural regions or home care. 

Rapid Diagnosis of Sepsis Pathogens

In sepsis cases, every hour counts. Modern sequencing methods enable the direct identification of pathogens from blood plasma—faster and more accurately than in conventional tests. 

 

© Fraunhofer ITEM / Patrick Reinig

More Precise Diagnostics for Personalized Medicine

As minimally invasive diagnostic methods such as liquid biopsy gain importance, technologies that can reliably analyze even very small sample amounts become crucial. The TRILO modular system can analyze the genome and transcriptome of sparse single cells or enriched cell populations. 

Immune Profiling and Sleep Data Enable Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's often starts undetected decades before a clinical diagnosis. Researchers are investigating cytotoxic lymphocytes in the blood and sleep disorders using digital technologies and AI to identify novel immunological and physiological signatures. 

 

© Fraunhofer IMS/MedEcon Ruhr GmbH

Contactless Vital Data Improve Post-COVID Follow-Up Care

The progression of post-COVID symptoms is inadequately documented in everyday life. An app is designed to combine contactless camera-based vital data monitoring with digital symptom compensation, enabling continuous, objective, everyday follow-up.

Continuous Vein Monitoring Prevents Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis in the legs is often detected too late due to diffuse symptoms. The veinXam system continuously and non-invasively monitors venous function in the deep veins of the legs and is integrated in a compression stocking with intelligent sensors. 

 

© Freepik / Fraunhofer SCAI

Assessment of Dementia Risks Following COVID Infections

COVID-19 infections could increase the risk of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Fraunhofer combines AI-supported data analysis, knowledge-based models and experimental biology to systematically investigate the links between SARS-CoV-2, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. 

 

© Fraunhofer IPMS

Photonic Biosensors Detect Pathogens in Seconds

Photonic biosensors use light to directly detect minute biological traces such as pathogens or biomarkers. Tiny, high-precision MEMS microchips measure these signals and enable fast, sensitive and safe testing procedures for clinics and research.

AI Agents Relieve Emergency Room Teams

In the emergency room, a lot of medical information has to be communicated, prioritized and documented simultaneously under time pressure. To reduce errors, AI agents analyze treatment team discussions in real time, structure findings and measures and automatically transfer the information to documentation and quality assurance systems. 

 

© Fraunhofer IMM

Lab-on-a-Chip for Point-of-Care Testing

In many places, diagnoses are delayed due to long transport routes and a lack of laboratories. Fraunhofer develops miniaturized chips that analyze samples directly on site and detect pathogens or biomarkers within minutes. This makes diagnosis faster, easier and available even in remote regions.

 

© Fraunhofer IMM

Detection Systems for Biological Contamination

Microorganisms, pollutants or toxins have to be identified quickly and reliably – without time-consuming laboratory procedures. Whether in water, food, production environments or environmental samples, new systems provide rapid results and protect health and the environment.

 

© Fraunhofer MEVIS

Intelligent MRI for Everyday Hospital Work

Fraunhofer is developing software that automatically adjusts MRI parameters and makes functional bodily processes visible. This enables earlier diagnoses and more precise treatment decisions.