Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWSBiofilms in the Oral Cavity – Turning Complex Challenges into Innovative Solutions
Microbial biofilms are at the heart of oral health – and one of its greatest challenges. They play a decisive role in the development of dental caries and periodontitis, and are increasingly associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What makes biofilms particularly difficult to manage is their remarkable stability and resistance. This creates significant hurdles not only for daily oral hygiene but also for the development of truly effective personal and oral care products.
To address these challenges, the industry needs more than standard testing – it needs scientifically robust, application-oriented methods that deliver reliable, real-world insights. Accurate evaluation of active ingredients, materials, and formulations is key to creating the next generation of high-performance products.
Our Expertise at Fraunhofer IMWS – Driving Innovation in Personal and Oral Care
Fraunhofer IMWS supports companies in the personal and oral care industries in developing and evaluating innovative active ingredients, materials, and application concepts. A key focus of our work is to investigate microbial biofilms and their interactions with products and surfaces.
In addition to established methods for antimicrobial efficacy testing, we develop and validate application-oriented in vitro biofilm models. In close collaboration with our industry partners, we create tailored, application-specific test systems that enable reliable and scientifically sound evaluation of product performance under controlled laboratory conditions.
As an interdisciplinary materials science institute, we offer a broad portfolio of advanced methods for the detailed characterization of biofilms and biofilm-covered surfaces. Using state-of-the-art analytical techniques – including electron microscopy (SEM/STEM/TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy – we deliver precise insights into biofilm structure, adhesion, and dynamics.
This expertise provides the scientific foundation for targeted, efficient product development, helping you bring high-performance solutions to market with confidence.
