MICROSYSTEMS IN MEDICINE

The complexity of modern surgical and analytical methods requires the miniaturisation of many medical devices. The LIGA technique and also m echanical microengineering are well known for the batch fabrication of microsystems. Actuators and sensors are developed based on these tech niques. The hydraulic actuation principle is advantageous for medical applications since the energy may be supplied by pressurised balanced salt solution. Some examples are turbines pumps and valves. In additio n, optical sensors and components are useful for analysis and inspecti on as represented by microspectrometers and spherical lenses. Finally plastic containers with microporous bottoms allow a 3-dimensional grow th of cell culture systems.