Digitalization and Automation of Laboratory Diagnostics and Cytological Diagnostics in Veterinary Medicine Using Microfluidic Chip Technology and AI-Based Image Analysis

The goal of the project is to digitize and automate laboratory diagnostics and cytology in veterinary medicine in order to optimize diagnosis and treatment planning. The starting point is the analysis of fecal, urine, blood, and cytological samples to detect abnormal cellular changes, bacteria, or endoparasites. For the examination of the samples, this project is developing a microfluidics-based analysis chip (“lab-on-a-chip”) and an AI-driven analysis of the resulting digitized microscopy images. The establishment of a standardized overall workflow will accelerate diagnosis and the initiation of treatment. Further optimization is achieved through the cloud-based solution, which improves the exchange of information between veterinarians and laboratory technicians/pathologists and accordingly shortens the time to diagnosis. The use of bioplastics in the manufacture of the analytical chip supports the chip’s long-term cost-effectiveness for diagnostic purposes and will thus bring about lasting improvements in medical analysis and diagnostics in veterinary medicine. The ISAT subproject involves the development of application-specific microfluidic chips for processing various veterinary samples.

Funding program

Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)

Project title

Digitization and Automation of Laboratory Diagnostics and Cytological Diagnostics in Veterinary Medicine Using Microfluidic Chip Technology and AI-Based Image Analysis, Subproject ISAT: Microfluidic Sample Preparation and Analysis

Duration

July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026

Funding Reference

KK5048307BA3

Funding Amount for ISAT Subproject

220,000 euros