In 2023, the World Economic Forum identified bioconvergence as a key mega trend poised to transform the 21st century. An article on the WEF website suggests that biology and data science are on a converging path, and much like any collision, achieving a successful outcome depends on the right components aligning correctly.
Imec has embraced this vision, crafting its healthcare strategy around bioconvergence. At the ITF World 2024 in Leuven, Charlotte D’Hulst, Imec’s portfolio manager for life sciences, presented several initiatives aimed at integrating semiconductor technology into life sciences.
“Much like ChatGPT excels in natural language processing, biology represents another form of natural language, composed of a few letters that form an incredibly complex genetic code,” noted D’Hulst. However, she acknowledged that biology is a multifaceted challenge that remains less understood. To harness the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) for generative AI in biology, a deeper understanding of biological processes—and the digitization of existing knowledge—is essential.
D’Hulst pointed out that currently, less than 1% of biological data is available for use, emphasizing the need for tools that can expand this pool of information into a comprehensive data lake suitable for training AI algorithms. These tools include advanced molecular microscopy, enabling deeper insights into cellular functions and intercellular communication.
“Imec has illuminated many aspects of biology by providing unprecedented resolutions in examining protein structures, long-read DNA, and even brain architecture,” said D’Hulst. “While significant strides have been made with technologies like next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9, we have only scratched the surface of what is possible.”
### Five Focus Areas in Bioconvergent Technology
One area of emphasis for Imec is synthetic biology. D’Hulst explained, “The foundational elements for emerging therapeutics and synthetic biology revolve around nucleic acids, particularly DNA, making them crucial for health-related R&D.” While the cost of DNA sequencing has drastically decreased over the past two decades, affordable DNA synthesis remains an obstacle, with costs still similar to those from 20 years ago.
Imec is also focusing on scalability, recognizing that its approach must align with various applications. In drug development and synthetic biology, scaling involves parallel processing—simultaneously generating unique sequences to sift through millions of potential solutions. However, in precision medicine, where a tailored dose is crucial, scaling takes on a different meaning.
“We are developing highly scalable methods to manage electrodes, including post-processing of electrode arrays on tailored circuits, allowing manufacturers to control the synthesis of hundreds of millions of unique nucleic acids,” D’Hulst shared. Additionally, Imec is working to increase the surface area for nucleic acid synthesis to boost output.
Another area of exploration is customizing semiconductor manufacturing processes for healthcare. The team is studying how innovations like nanowire meshes, 3D-pillar structures, and nano-imprint lithography could optimize bioconvergent applications.
D’Hulst described the fourth area of focus: cost reduction. “Our fast fluid technology enables quick mixing of reagents in under a second and speeds up PCR processes to less than five minutes while using fewer reagents, effectively reducing costs,” she explained.
Lastly, Imec is advancing neuroscience beyond traditional EEGs and basic deep brain stimulation. With bioconvergent technologies, the organization is developing three neurotechnology platforms that can interpret communications among neurons, having already deployed over 16,000 NeuroPixel probes across more than 900 research laboratories worldwide. These components are designed to provide studies on multiple brain structures at the level of individual neurons.
Imec is also innovating miniaturized, battery-free implantable devices for treating chronic diseases, including neuro-stimulators aimed at specific brain regions. They are exploring non-invasive interfaces with the brain, such as photo-acoustics.
### Enhancing Patient Monitoring through Technology
One critical area needing improvement in healthcare is patient monitoring, particularly via non-invasive methods that allow real-time observation during daily activities. Imec is developing speckle plethysmography—a novel waveform that utilizes coherent light on living tissue to create variations in speckle patterns, providing insights into vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure without direct contact.
Perhaps the most exciting innovation from Imec is the creation of an ingestible pill equipped with a wireless antenna, designed to relay internal observations. D’Hulst noted that while many people experience digestive issues, traditional diagnostic methods like endoscopy are often costly and inconvenient, failing to capture ongoing patient conditions.
Imec is introducing a vitamin-sized intestinal pill capable of measuring parameters such as pH and inflammation, with wireless data transmission via an internal antenna. They completed the first human trial of this ingestible sensor last winter and are now developing a second-generation version capable of collecting gut samples for further analysis.