Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

Biomaterials

Our research group is dedicated to the investigation and development of bio-based and hybrid materials tailored for applications in wound care, tissue engineering, and the development of artificial tissues and organs.

A key emphasis is placed on the production of application-optimized biomaterials using state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. We employ advanced techniques such as uni- and coaxial electrospinning, lyophilization, and 3D bioprinting. These innovative methods enable the processing of proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, and biocompatible polymers into nano- and microfibers, nonwovens, foams, hydrogels, and bio-inks, as well as into cell-seeded and acellular artificial tissues and organ models. By combining materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies – together with chemical or enzymatic cross-linking strategies – we enable precise tuning of microstructural, biochemical, physicochemical, and mechanical properties.

Our goal is to develop sustainable, high-performance biomaterials that not only meet current demands in medical research but also pave the way for future applications in regenerative medicine.

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Biological nanofiber nonwovens (electrospinning)

  • Scalable production using uni- and coaxial electrospinning with a broad materials spectrum
  • Functionalized nonwovens, including drug-loaded systems and hollow fibers, as well as surface functionalization and coating of existing materials
  • Biomimetic design of native extracellular matrix (ECM) structures using protein-based biomaterials

Protein-based foams

  • Fabrication via lyophilization of hydrogels
  • Controlled pore size and interconnectivity to improve cell adhesion in vitro and promote tissue integration
  • Effective matrices for 3D cell culture
  • Tailored mechanical and biological stability through cross-linking and blending with synthetic or natural polymers

3D Bioprinting

  • Development of bio-inks with tailored mechanical properties, flexibility, thermosensitivity, and biocompatibility
  • Precise processing using advanced bioprinting systems, enabling controlled geometry and microstructure, e.g., in the fabrication of complex vascular networks

The development of protein- and polymer-based biomaterials opens a wide range of applications in medical technology, including biocompatible implants, wound care solutions, dental materials, orthopedic components, and systems for targeted drug delivery. Additional potential exists in the cosmetics, packaging, and food industries. Targeted material development requires a comprehensive understanding of material behavior, combined with thorough evaluation of functionality, safety, and performance of materials, composites, and coatings.

Development of application-oriented biomaterials and composites

We develop protein- and polymer-based biomaterials and composites tailored to specific applications. Our technologies enable the processing of proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, and biocompatible polymers into a wide range of semi-finished products, including nano- and microfibers, nonwovens, foams, hydrogels, bioinks, along with cell-seeded and acellular artificial tissues and organs.

  • Uni- and coaxial electrospinning
    • Laboratory scale (Bioinicia Fluidnatek LE-50)
    • Pilot scale (Elmarco NS1S500U with Nanospider™ technology)
  • Lyophilization of hydrogels for foam production
  • Development of bio-inks and processing via 3D bioprinting (CELLINK Bio X™)

Development of biofunctional coatings

A central aspect of our research is the investigation of interfaces and interactions between materials, cells, and living tissue. These interactions can be precisely tailored through application-oriented biological and biomimetic surface functionalization. We design coatings with defined properties such as hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and electrostatic behavior to achieve targeted functional performance.

  • Bio-based coatings via electrospinning, dip coating, spin coating, or knifecoating
  • Plasma-based surface modification processes under atmospheric or low-pressure conditions
  • Comprehensive characterization combining imaging, mechanical, biological, physicochemical, and application-specific testing methods.

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