Helmholtz Biomedical Engineering Initiative
Sensing the Invisible
How do we measure what we cannot see?
Smart materials and bioelectronic sensors enable advanced diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic decision-making
Larysa Baraban from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) develops ultra-sensitive systems to capture meaningful information at the smallest scales of life.
Sensing at the Molecular Scale
Novel sensing technologies capture signals beyond human perception—from molecular interactions to cellular processes. Transforming minute signals into measurable data pushes the limits of detection and turn the invisible into medically relevant information.
Capturing Signals - Understanding Disease
Building on advances in sensing technologies, Larysa Baraban and her team develop systems that do more than signal detections—they interpret them in a biomedical context.
Her research focuses on smart, miniaturized biosensors based on nanomaterials and microfluidics that can:
• detect subtle biological signals with high sensitivity
• characterize biomolecules and cancer cells
• reveal underlying biochemical processes
Turning captured signals into actionable insights for diagnosis and therapy.
From Signals to Personalized Therapy
Integrating novel sensors, Larysa Baraban and her team developed a nanochip to analyze the unique characteristics of individual patient tumors .
The technology enables:
• the characterization of tumor-specific properties
• prediction of cancer cell trajectories
• data-driven selection of targeted treatments
By decoding these signals, the nanochip lays the foundation for personalized immunotherapy.
From Innovation to Clinical Impact
By translating nanoscale signals into actionable data, Larysa´s technologies pave the way for a new generation of healthcare:
• Earlier and more precise diagnosis
• Continuous, real-time monitoring of disease progression
• Personalized, data-driven treatment strategies
Shifting oncology from reactive treatment to predictive and preventive care.
Innovation Ecosystems
Projects like Larysa Baraban’s are closely aligned with the Helmholtz Biomedical Engineering Initiative, which aims to accelerate cutting-edge research into clinical applications.
Engineering in the life sciences delivers:
• new innovations in diagnostic technologies
• application and transfer focused collaborations
• tangible contributions toward Germany’s technological souvereinity and economic resilience
Helmholtz Biomedical Engineering www.helmholtz-bioengineering.de
Larysa Baraban Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf www.hzdr.de