Highlights

Health Care

 

7.3.2024

New approach against periodontitis: inhibiting bacteria in the mouth instead of destroying them

Innovative therapeutic approaches to treat periodontitis are being developed in the joint project "Paropaste". They are focusing on blocking the germs responsible for this rather than killing them.

 

23.1.2023

Innovative Bioinks for 3D-Bioprinting

Bioprinting aims at producing biological or biologically functional tissue in the laboratory. Using a 3D bioprinter, bioink is printed layer by layer to fabricate a complex three-dimensional object. Researchers at the Fraunhofer IMWS are developing new bioinks that are suitable for various applications.

 

10.11.2022

High-quality elastin for different market segments: Fraunhofer IMWS spin-off takes off as "matrihealth" GmbH

Producing high-purity elastin in medical quality is the founding idea of "matrihealth" GmbH.

 

1.8.2022

Improved protective masks through innovative protective textiles

Mouth-to-nose protection has become commonplace during the Covid-19 pandemic. But many of the available products are not tailored for such uses. In the “Next Generation Protective Textiles (NGST)” project, ten Fraunhofer institutes are working on improved solutions that combine high protection with improved wearer comfort.

 

25.11.2019

Periodontal disease: Patent for new treatment method

New biodegradable rods promise to provide better treatment for periodontal disease. Researchers from the Institute of Pharmacy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have re-combined an already approved active ingredient and filed for a patent for their invention together with two Fraunhofer Institutes from Halle.

 

New gel to help dry mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is becoming an increasing problem, especially as a result of demographic change. Especially older people suffer from this phenomenon because they either do not produce enough saliva or have a dry mouth as a side effect of taking medication.

 

Help for a dry mouth

Skinomics GmbH and researchers of Fraunhofer IMWS are together searching for solutions to prevent and treat dryness of the mouth.

 

Innovative wound care

Customized, biomedically applicable materials based on tropoelastin are being developed in a project by Skinomics GmbH, Halle University and the Fraunhofer IMWS.

 

Perfect bristles through virtual toothbrushing

Developing toothpastes and brushes is time-consuming: Numerous samples must be made and examined. Simulation can help to make this process faster and cheaper.

 

Materials research for dental care

How do toothpastes or mouth rinses work? How does the microstructure of teeth, dental prostheses or even mouth guards differ before and after care? What shape should the bristles of too thbrushes have for optimum cleaning performance? Such questions are investigated by employees in the dental care team at the Fraunhofer IMWS. Their material science studies are the basis for characterizing and improving medical and cosmetic care products.

Environment

 

Better adhesion properties of plastics through combined micro- and nanostructures

With a patented process for micro-nano-structuring, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) has achieved significant improvements in the adhesion properties of polymers.

 

Microfilms with antimicrobial properties for secure long-term data storage

The Fraunhofer IMWS and FilmoTec GmbH Bitterfeld-Wolfen have developed a new technology that improves the resistance of microfilms to mechanical and biochemical environmental influences and thus increases their long-term stability.

 

Optimised surfaces for reverse osmosis modules result in better performance

Ceramic or polymer membranes are used for reverse osmosis, upon which deposits, so-called microbial coatings are formed. The Fraunhofer IMWS researches solutions for anti-adhesive membranes.

 

Clean teeth, clean body, healthy environment

Together with partners from industry, Fraunhofer IMWS would like to replace microplastic particles dental care products with biologically degradable substances.

 

Full steam ahead!

In a science exhibition, Fraunhofer IMWS  presents its solution to prevent vessels from marine fouling.