Surfaces and Nanomaterials for Molecular Health Sensors
Event details
| Date | 10.12.2025 |
| Hour | 11:00 › 12:00 |
| Speaker | Prof. Andreas T. Güntner, ETH Zurich & University Hospital Zurich (CH) |
| Location | Online |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
| Event Language | English |
2-DAY BIOE MINI-SYMPOSIUM on Measurement Technologies
(talk three / previous talk / next talk)
Abstract:
Molecular sensing technologies that analyze non-conventional biological matrices, such as interstitial fluid, sweat, or exhaled breath, with minimal invasiveness offer longitudinal biomarker data and provide insights into physiological and behavioral patterns, even outside of hospital settings. Despite extensive research for several decades, however, only a few molecular sensors are part of today’s clinical routine (most notably continuous glucose monitoring), while the majority have remained confined to laboratory research. My presentation will discuss our recent advances in material and surface engineering aimed at understanding and precisely controlling molecular interactions. I will show how these principles enable high-performance molecular sensing that overcomes persistent challenges in reversibility and selectivity. Also, translational efforts will be highlighted, encompassing biofluid sampling, device integration, and clinical studies, illustrating their potential for impactful, human-centered health monitoring. I will conclude by presenting my vision for artificial enzymes through atomic-scale engineering and sensor-guided micro-robotic systems that unlock mobile, localized sensing to open new avenues for continuous health monitoring both on earth and in space.
Bio:
Andreas Güntner is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Sensing at ETH Zürich, a Research Associate at the University Hospital Zürich and Associate Editor of ACS Sensors. Before, he served as CEO and co-founder of Alivion AG that has successfully commercialized a handheld methanol detector with clients in 35 countries in the food, oil & gas, health and transportation industries. In 2022, after securing an ERC Starting Grant, Andreas returned to academia and founded the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory at ETH Zürich that works on micro/nanosystems and their application as chemical sensors to tackle healthcare and environmental issues. His scientific and entrepreneurial activities have been recognized by several awards, including the SABIC Young Professional Award by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Emerging Technology Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Beiersdorf Excellence Award in Product Design and Engineering by the European Fed. Chem. Eng., and the De Vigier Award by the W.A. De Vigier Foundation. Andreas has been elected as general chair for Eurosensors 2026.
Zoom link for attending remotely, if needed: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/66947851573
(talk three / previous talk / next talk)
Abstract:
Molecular sensing technologies that analyze non-conventional biological matrices, such as interstitial fluid, sweat, or exhaled breath, with minimal invasiveness offer longitudinal biomarker data and provide insights into physiological and behavioral patterns, even outside of hospital settings. Despite extensive research for several decades, however, only a few molecular sensors are part of today’s clinical routine (most notably continuous glucose monitoring), while the majority have remained confined to laboratory research. My presentation will discuss our recent advances in material and surface engineering aimed at understanding and precisely controlling molecular interactions. I will show how these principles enable high-performance molecular sensing that overcomes persistent challenges in reversibility and selectivity. Also, translational efforts will be highlighted, encompassing biofluid sampling, device integration, and clinical studies, illustrating their potential for impactful, human-centered health monitoring. I will conclude by presenting my vision for artificial enzymes through atomic-scale engineering and sensor-guided micro-robotic systems that unlock mobile, localized sensing to open new avenues for continuous health monitoring both on earth and in space.
Bio:
Andreas Güntner is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Sensing at ETH Zürich, a Research Associate at the University Hospital Zürich and Associate Editor of ACS Sensors. Before, he served as CEO and co-founder of Alivion AG that has successfully commercialized a handheld methanol detector with clients in 35 countries in the food, oil & gas, health and transportation industries. In 2022, after securing an ERC Starting Grant, Andreas returned to academia and founded the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory at ETH Zürich that works on micro/nanosystems and their application as chemical sensors to tackle healthcare and environmental issues. His scientific and entrepreneurial activities have been recognized by several awards, including the SABIC Young Professional Award by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Emerging Technology Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Beiersdorf Excellence Award in Product Design and Engineering by the European Fed. Chem. Eng., and the De Vigier Award by the W.A. De Vigier Foundation. Andreas has been elected as general chair for Eurosensors 2026.
Zoom link for attending remotely, if needed: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/66947851573
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
Organizer
- Prof. Georg Fantner, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, EPFL
Contact
- Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), Dietrich REINHARD