Functional particles

Our offer includes the preparation, processing and characterization of functional particles.

Materials

Different materials are used for this purpose:

  • Biobased particles (chitosan, gelatin, alginate, inulin, lignin)
  • Biodegradable particles (PLGA, PLA)
  • Inorganic particles (silica, gold)

Functional surfaces

The surfaces of nano- and microparticles can be additionally modified with functional properties and active groups to optimize the desired material properties:

  • Specific adsorber particles
  • Biofunctionalization
  • Click chemistry
  • Active ester

Adjustment and optimization of the matrix properties

In addition, blends of several materials that combine the advantages of both materials are being developed in such a manner that the specific properties can be adjusted in a targeted manner. Chemical modification of the materials at Fraunhofer IGB also enables completely new properties of the materials in bulk and in particulate form. We develop this modification individually in cooperation with our customers.

Moreover, it is possible to specifically slow down or reduce the release of active substances. For this purpose, in addition to chemical modification, we also use biocompatible crosslinking reactions, which are based on electrostatic interactions and thus contribute to the prevention of harmful substances in the environment and the body.

Application areas and references

 

Adsorptive separation and purification

Adsorber particles are suitable for selective separation of valuable or interfering substances. The adsorption process developed for α-tocopherol is applicable on a pilot plant scale.

 

 

Medicine and biotechology

We can use functional particles to make tumor tissue visible or to bind biological substances such as cytokines.

 

Immobilization of enzymes

Enzymes are versatile biocatalysts; however, their technical application is often limited by poor long-term stability. We can circumvent these weakness by immobilizing the enzymes to functional particles.

 

Reference projects

 

February 2019 – January 2023

iP-OSTEO

Induced pluripotent stem cell seeded active osteochondral nanofibrous scaffolds

The iP‑OSTEO project focuses on development of novel cell‑based scaffolds for bone and cartilage repair and will deliver an effective treatment method for patients with poor regenerative capacity. The involved institutions will also help in better integration of academic and industrial stakeholders across Europe as they strengthen the partnerships and promote knowledge transfer across national borders and across different sectors.

 

January 2017 – December 2020

N2B-Patch

Development of an intranasal form of therapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

In the EU-funded research project “N2B-patch”, an international consortium is developing an intranasal application platform for biopharmaceutics against diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Using the treatment of multiple sclerosis as an example, the "Nose2Brain“ approach intends to transport active substances formulated in biomaterials directly through the nose to the brain.