MicroNanoConference brings synergy in high tech research

The 13th Edition of the international MicroNanoConference, organized by MinacNed started Tuesday at the Beurs van Berlage in the centre of Amsterdam. Researchers, academia, end users and technology manufactures followed a rich programme with presentations and keynotes in the fields of microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip, biosensing and functional surfaces and interfaces.

At 9:30 the event began in the distinctive Effectenbeurszaal with words from Ronny van ‘t Oever, CEO at Micronit Microtechnologies and chairman of the Board MinacNed and Maarten Honing, working at Maastricht University and head of the programme committee. Fifteen minutes later Christoph Adelmann, working at Imec Leuven, talked about interconnects and the challenges to keep up with Moore’s law. Adelmann walked through the history of microelectronic chips and talked about the future of interconnects, where dimensions are approaching 10 nm.

The second keynote was from Peter Adrian, industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan. He explained to the visitors of the MicroNanoConference the dynamics in the field of biosensors. Adrian also talked about new biosensor technology and other opportunities, like applications in wearables for health and environmental monitoring.

Four tracks

At the MicroNanoConference all attendees can traditionally select their program from a wide range of topics. This year there were four tracks. At the functional surfaces and interfaces-track, researchers talked for example about catalyst bodies, a presentation from Florian Meirer, or the challenges in microelectronics at nanoscale. Other tracks focused on biosensing and microfluidics, with subjects ranging from microfluidic chips and electrostatically actuated capillary valves to possible applications for graphene and tumor-on-a-chip disease models.

During the breaks most visitors could be found at the Grote Zaal at the Beurs van Berlage, where table-tops from Dutch and international companies and universities could be found. Some parties organised product presentations, while attendees could also check the posters on the exhibition floor.

On the first day of the MicroNanoConference the day ended with two keynotes: Ngoc-Dinh Duy from the University of Singapore talked about 3D bioprinting and organs-on-a-chip development, while Yair Glick from SpacePharma dived into the world of space. He told about the unique environment of microgravity. The day ended with a conference dinner for registered attendees. They also visited the Amsterdam Light Festival, an open air exhibition with 30 light artworks.