Material Research for medicine and health care products

Our Mission

Microstructure analysis and microstructure design of biological materials and biomaterials

At Fraunhofer IMWS, we develop solutions at the interface of materials science and life sciences. Our goal is to understand the microstructure of biological materials and biomaterials, tailor them with precision, and translate them into high-performance applications.

We combine scientific excellence, state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, and in-depth market expertise to create innovative products and sustainably optimize existing solutions. Our core focus areas include materials research for dental and personal care products, the development and characterization of customized biomaterials for medical devices, targeted biofunctionalization of surfaces, and the use of protein-based materials in medical technology.

Through international collaborations, we ensure the continuous transfer of cutting-edge research into industrial applications.

Our Expertise

We support our clients in industry and the public sector across the entire spectrum – from research and development through quality control to claim support and evidence-based marketing. 

Our range of services extends from sample preparation to data-driven analysis and the visualization of robust, reliable results.

Our key areas of focus include:

  • Materials Research: Development and optimization of structure- and surface-compatible materials with tailored functionality for medical applications – such as tissue regeneration, tissue engineering, drug screening, and biocompatible polymer systems.
  • Analytics: Investigation of chemical, physical, biological, and mechanical mechanisms in personal care and medical products. This includes material analyses, model development, quality assurance testing, and high-resolution characterization of material surfaces and biological structures.
  • Surface Modification: Enhancing the performance of implants and medical devices through innovative coatings and functional surfaces – improving adhesion, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.

Our Research Areas

 

Oral Microbiology

Biofilms in the oral cavity – challenges and potential solutions for the personal and oral care industries

 

Biomaterials

Development of application-oriented protein- and polymer-based biomaterials and composites, as well as biofunctional coatings

 

Micro- and Nanostructured Surfaces

Creating new material properties through the targeted design of surface structures at the micro- and nanoscale

 

Microstructure Analysis

Development and investigation of functional properties of materials for biological and medical applications

 

Oral Care & Dental Health

Characterization of dental care products and analysis of their interaction with surfaces

 

Protein Analysis

Characterization of proteins in complex samples using state-of-the-art analytical technologies

 

Tissue Engineering

Development of human in vitro test models for establishing skin wound models and assays for wound treatment