COMPAMED 2021: Smart biosensors for intensive care applications

Biosensors are suitable for many uses in the medical field. In intensive care medicine, smart biosensors collect, and process precise data for patient monitoring. The sensor systems can be used in various applications and facilitate ICU monitoring.

At this year's COMPAMED, Gerhard Jobst gave a lecture on Smart Sensors for Intensive Care Applications. In this interview following COMPAMED 2021, Mr. Jobst reviews the possible uses of smart sensor technologies and assesses the trade fair from an exhibitor's perspective.

Mr. Jobst, what were your expectations going into COMPAMED 2021?

Gerhard Jobst: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing restrictions, this wasn’t a “normal” year, which means our expectations were somewhat low. However, the outcome of our COMPAMED exhibitor presence regarding the number of visitors and generated quality leads certainly came in at the high end of our expectations. Given the circumstances, it was a great event that met our expectations.

Which products did you showcase at COMPAMED?

Jobst: We presented several of our core products, including biosensors, which are primarily used in intensive care applications, and the expanded complete range of sensors by IST AG. These sensors measure temperatures, flow rates, conductivity. We also highlighted our steadily growing portfolio of microfluidic devices, which are valuable systems applications for both intensive care monitoring and as an enabling technology.

You also gave a presentation at the trade show. Could you briefly summarize the main points?

Jobst: The presentation highlighted smart biosensors for intensive care applications, focusing on our biosensors for continuous monitoring purposes. This includes measuring the levels of lactate, lactic acid, glucose, and pyruvic acid. Possible uses comprise typical critical care scenarios, such as blood flow applications like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, where five to six liters of blood per minute flow past the sensor. Another option is microinvasive applications, in which microneedles penetrate the skin and facilitate highly accurate small volume fluid delivery. The tissue fluid can be as minimal as one microliter per hour or even less. Our biosensors can monitor these volumes. As a component supplier, we cover multiple scenarios from general intensive care applications to microsystems technology for the biochemical and metabolic monitoring of ICU patients.

What was the feedback on your presentation?

Jobst: We made two interesting connections after the lecture. Both are related to intensive care applications, making them quality leads.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the medical sensors market?

Jobst: At its start almost two years ago, hospitals and suppliers – our primary customers – were plagued with uncertainty. Both the device suppliers and the developers were unsure of what comes next – us included. Looking back, our average business volume at Jobst Technologies GmbH didn’t really take a big hit or significant income losses in the past two years. Of course, we had a reduction in productivity. As a component supplier, we need our workforce onsite to manufacture, qualify, test, produce, package, and ship items to our customers. These are activities that cannot be done remotely from home. Given these circumstances, our business was and remains affected by the pandemic. To keep the momentum going, we deliberately try to keep all relevant production and qualification processes in the European economic area. Our two production sites are in Germany and Switzerland, respectively. This minimizes any problems in the delivery process to our customers.

Do you know whether we can look forward to welcoming you to COMPAMED 2022?

Jobst: Yes definitely. If COMPAMED returns as an in-person event again next year, we will certainly be a part of it.