A major challenge for manufacturers of artificial tissue for implantation is the provision of multiple cell layers that can be fed nutrients via a supply system. This is the focus of efforts by a consortium of 16 European industrial and research partners under the direction of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT).

Philipp Wittmann has taken over the management of the Austrian healthcare cluster Gesundheits-Cluster (GC), effective January 1, 2012. Wittmann has been active within the network for more than five years and, as an experienced project manager, was viewed as the outstanding candidate during the multipart job application process.

The Medisiams trade show for West Switzerland suppliers will take place under the same roof as the World Medtech Forum Lucerne (WMTF) for the first time this year. This is the result of a decision made by Medical Cluster, Medtech Switzerland, Siams S.A. and Messe Luzern AG. The events take place in Lucerne September 25–27, 2012.

Thuringia is home to a new biotech consortium working toward development of bioactive, functionally stable devices for medical implantation. The growth core, called Basis (for BioAnalytics and Surfaces for Integration in Systems), is organizing its first public workshop, to be presented in Erfurt, Germany, February 23 and 24.

Buyer’s Guide 2012 Update: Electrical/Electronic Components

Comp-Mall offers medical equipment manufacturers the compact Model EBC-2102 fanless embedded automation PC, which is equipped with a choice of Intel Atom D525 1.8-GHz dual core, a D425 1.8-GHz dual-core or N455 1.66-GHz single-core processor. Low power consumption allows fanless operation between –10° and 50°C.

Buyer’s Guide 2012 Update: Electrical/Electronic Components

Though it looks like a high-quality remote control unit for a consumer item, and has comparable functionality, a wireless hand control for medical devices is based on technology developed by the Meditec business of Steute that is fundamentally different from that in the wireless devices used to operate stereo systems and garage doors.