About BIOFABRICATION

BIOFABRICATION is an interdisciplinary research consortium of the Hannover Medical School, Leibniz Universität Hannover and the Hannover University for Music, Theatre and the Media. The project is based in the Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Technology, Implant Research and Development (NIFE).

The Research Consortium develops innovative personalized implants on the basis of suitable biomaterials, in order to do justice to future needs for implants and implant safety. The principle goals for clinical use include improvements in biocompatibility and long-term stability, as well as avoiding implant infections and chronic destructive immune reactions.

To meet this requirement, organic and inorganic biomaterials are specifically developed (see the Figure in the FABRICATION section). The surface of these implants are functionalised using chemical or laser-based methods. Alternatively, they may be structured to give tissue-specific scaffolds and functionalised under containment. In the BIO section, the biocompatibility of these implant materials is systematically validated. They are then further developed - either to implantable tissue implants in the TISSUE ENGINEERING module or to infection-resistant solid implants in the INFECTIONS AND IMMUNE REACTIONS module. Finally systematic studies related to approval are carried out, to ensure that the scientific results can be translated into clinical use.

This modular development process is being initially developed for dental, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, plastic surgical and audio-neurological implants. In future, it will be possible to transfer it to other organ and implant systems. (Building photo NIFE in header copyright: diefotodesigner)

In the context of the Consortium, new research infrastructures have been created which will not only allow active management of the process of implant development up to the stage of clinical translation, but will also make it possible to consider the social acceptance of these developments for the first time - as a contribution to the public understanding of science. With the interdisciplinary training and post-graduate education of young scientists, it will be possible in future to fulfil the growing demands for specialists in research, in clinical work and in industry. This new model for research and training structures is unique in this form in Germany. 

BIOFABRICATION for NIFE is funded by the "Niedersächsische Vorab".