Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
Different functional materials.
© Fraunhofer IGB
Different functional materials.

© Fraunhofer IGB

Materials

We produce materials that can be used to coat surfaces, but also in 3D printing processes. Depending on the application, the materials are synthesized, chemically modified or suitably formulated. The materials are hydrogels, drug-releasing particles, and formulations for coatings and bioprinting.

 

Functional particles

Our services include the production, processing and characterization of functional particles. Biobased, biodegradable or inorganic materials are used for this purpose. The surfaces of the nano- and microparticles can be additionally equipped with functional properties and active groups to optimize the desired material properties.

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© Fraunhofer IGB

Formulations

We develop formulations for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and crop protection. We employ functional particles and hydrogels as release systems for active ingredients and effect substances. For this we use biomaterials such as alginate, chitosan, gelatine, biocompatible materials and commercially available polymers.

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Modified biopolymers

By means of chemical modification, we specifically customize biopolymers such as gelatine, chitosan or inulin to suit different requirements depending on the area of application. By introducing a wide range of chemical groups, we can thus modify, for example, the viscosity, solubility or charge of the biopolymer in a targeted manner, enabling processes to be tailored more sustainably and efficiently.

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Hydrogels

Hydrogels are polymers that are insoluble in water but contain water. They are used, for example, in biotechnology and medicine. We develop hydrogels as tissue-like matrices or as release systems for use in medical technology. We can adjust properties such as viscosity and strength according to requirements.

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Inks for 2D/3D printing

Novel additive manufacturing processes have found their way into many applications. Among the established printing techniques, inkjet printing offers a highly attractive technique to create in-plane or three-dimensional structures previously designed on a computer. Our work focuses on the development of suitable ink formulations to process diverse functional components such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, proteins and conductive materials.

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Biomaterials

Synthetic, bio-based or natural biomaterials are defined as materials in contact with biological systems such as cells or tissues. The minimum requirement for a biomaterial is that it must be biocompatible. Modern biomaterials, however, are even biofunctional or bioactive. For example, they transmit active signals to their biological environment by providing molecular recognition sites that serve as anchor points for coupling molecules or cells, or release biologically active molecules at the appropriate time. Also, biomaterials can imitate the mechanical and topographic properties of a natural cell environment and thus promote the growth behavior and the differentiation of cells. In this way it is possible to produce complete artificial tissues. In addition, stability and biodegradability as well as specific biological effects such as anti-thrombogenicity are crucial points in biomaterial development.

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