RESEARCH EXPERTISE
BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT MATERIALS
The development of lean magnesium alloys on a Zn-Ca basis offers the highest possible biocompatibility. Material forming via Equal Channel Angular Pressing, results in a significant
increase in material strength with high ductility. Degradation time can be fine-adjusted by tailor-made alloy composition and special coatings designs.
PERMANENT IMPLANT MATERIALS
Implementing material forming by Equal Channel Angular Pressing for medical grade titanium and titanium alloys result in significantly improved mechanical properties. For instance, after processing pure titanium it achieves similarly high mechanical strength as the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V with a simultaneous increase in osseointegration.
ULTRAPURE NANOMEDICAL MATERIALS
Towards the development of high-end medical devices, we develop laser-based, ultrapure and multifunctional nanomaterials for a broad spectrum of requests. For application in special coatings or full implant strategies, these materials offer local antibacterial, ion- or drug-releasing, X-ray contrast, anti-thrombogenic and enhanced endothelial properties both for permanent and temporary implant designs.
RESEARCH PROFILE
The main objectives of the research group Advanced Implant Solutions are the development and application of new materials and process technologies enabling the improvement of material properties with novel functionalities as well as the design and production of innovative implants. These developments cover both permanent and biodegradable metal- and polymer-based implants. The group actively uses laser-generated, ultrapure nanotechnology to develop antibacterial and anti-thrombogenic implant materials towards high-scale regenerative nanomedicine, as well as its translation into clinical use. In this context, close collaboration with leading national and international research institutions, universities and companies top off the profile of the research team.
With patients and medical requirements in focus, our materials ensure excellent biocompatibility and tailored material properties, workability, enhanced service life and high patient comfort. In this sense, we put special efforts on the development of novel laser-based, ultrapure and multifunctional nanomaterials to meet and surpass the technical requirements. Beside many others, we offer ultrapure polymeric nanocomposites, powder-based nanoadditives, local drug-release systems, bioactive coatings and fully functionalized materials both for permanent and biodegradable implant designs.
These biomaterials are ultimately designed for use in osteosynthesis, subcutaneous and in vascular environments and offer great advantages both for temporary and permanent usage. As a new class of biomaterial, bioresorbable implants in form of grafts, screws, plates or scaffolds offer a unique opportunity as they are fully absorbed by the body once they have fulfilled their function and thus do not need to be removed surgically. These biodegradable metallic materials or special coatings feature excellent biocompatibility in-vivo. Additionally, polymeric nanocomposites feature local ion- or drug-releasing properties or novel biomedical implants with increased hemo-compatibility and decreased infection rates for a broad range of applications for reconstructive therapy.
APPLICATION DOMAINS
- Dental technologies
- Cardiovascular interventions
- Cranio-Maxillofacial implants
- Orthopedic implants
- Subcutaneous implants