Fabrication
In this section, chemists, physicists, laser scientists and electrical engineers develop biomaterials for patient-specific solid and tissue implants. The objective is to develop modular procedures for the five model medical systems - dental, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, audioneurological and plastic surgical - which allow patient- and tissue-specific manufacture. Modular manufacture is also necessary to fulfill the requirements for other implants and tissues, so that the new scientific insights achieved here can later be applied to other types of implants or other organs.
Material Development
The work in this section concentrates on developing suitable materials for implants, by preparing tissue-specific scaffolds or solid implants and then functionalising their surfaces. This is discussed in advance with our colleagues in the BIO section and the basic materials are manufactured by the departments of chemistry which collaborate with us - the Departments of Organic, Inorganic and Technical Chemistry in Leibniz University Hannover - in the form of inorganic, organic or bioorganic materials or composites with biosimilar character.
Laserbased Scaffold-Creation & Surface Functionalization
Laser engineering is used to provide structure to chemical, biochemical and solid materials, in accordance with the requirements of the patients and of the model systems.
The objectives include the following:
- Improving the integration of the implant into the tissue by generating specific surface topographies;
- Producing three dimensional supportive structures, known as “scaffolds” and “microporous implants”;
- Producing and incorporating nanoparticles, which can then be used for additional functionalisation.
Non-invasive Observation
If implants or tissue substitutes are being prepared on an industrial scale, non-invasive control is essential during manufacture and before use. This control accompanies the whole process of research and development. It starts with the observation and characterisation of the cell-implant interaction in vitro and ends with the first in vivo studies in the animal model or in clinical use.
Containments & Control
The modification of implants (e.g. for vascular prostheses and fat organoids) is specifically controlled in special containers, in order to optimise defined application properties under specific conditions. Containments of this type make it possible to provide cells with an optimal environment with respect to growth conditions and sterility.
