Special research area SFB Transregio 37

A new transregional special research area SFB/Transregio 37 with the title “Micro and nanosystems in medicine – Reconstruction of biological functions” was able to be successfully established in Hannover. The spokesman for this SFB is Dr. Axel Haverich of MHH. The goal of this special research area is to develop new innovative micro and nanosystems in medicine which will be ultimately used in a clinical setting for the benefit of patients through the transdisciplinary cooperation of the different scientific areas Engineering and Natural Sciences as well as Human and Veterinary Medicine. The focus here lies in the reconstruction of biological functions.

The development of new multifunctional and hybrid materials for biological and medical applications is currently one of the most innovative research fields. One area of application, for example, is that of Dr. Thomas Lenarz’s work conducted at the MHH on cell stimulation of inner ear hair cells. The research fields for biomaterial research are closely associated with the development of chemical and biochemical sensors, the recognition of premature tissue damage, the dispensing of medications, hydrogels, membranes and artificial organs or tissue. Nature supplies many examples of biomimetic materials in the form of organic-inorganic components such as bones, teeth, mussels and mother-of-pearl. Based on these biological examples, new, innovative biological materials (Biometrics) can be designed through self-organisation or direct structuring.

Further developments in bioactive materials target the regeneration of natural tissue and the acceleration or delay of biological or biochemical processes as well as the use of cell manipulation. In order to study the resilience of individual cells, Prof. Birgit Glasmacher at the University of Leibniz has even carried out shear tests on endothelial cells. These materials provide significant steps toward application possibilities. The expected technological breakthrough in this area will also depend on progress in the micro and nanosystem technology which has essentially been driven forward by the Laser Zentrum Hannover managed by Dr. (of Engineering) Andreas Ostendorf.
In order to successfully and efficiently process the goals set, an approach was chosen which transdisciplinary and transregional consortia from Hannover (MHH , TiHo, Leibniz Uni, LZH) Rostock (Uni Rostock) and Aachen (RWTH Aachen) have already realised at the subproject level.

With this, the conception of the project is also directed at the expansion of competence and scientific excellence through direct interdisciplinary cooperation.
The basic criteria are:

• Relevance to medical problem
• Innovation in the area of micro and nanotechnology
• Contribution to concrete medical products with market potential

Shared issues between technology and medicine are thus material and surface structure as well as chemical functionality on the one hand, and applications in the OP, biocompatibility and in-vivo stability on the other. Another aspect refers to the accessibility and dispensing of pharmaceuticals as well as microfluidic properties for one, and the biological activity for another.
Micro implant technology has potential advantages for patients. New technologies and the implants manufactured with them open up minimally invasive therapies with improved clinical results. In doing so, costs should be sustainably lowered and repeated treatments prevented.

In Area A “Photons – Cell surgery and cell manipulation”, the gene therapeutic modification of cells and cell networks is made possible through the manipulation of biological materials using optical processes. Area B “Biointerface – Biofunctionalisation of surfaces” studies the interactions of technical surfaces or particles as well as three-dimensional cell carrier constructs with the surrounding cells or the tissue. Based on the knowledge gained here, Area C “Functions – Intelligent components and systems” strives to extend the value chain from the basic research into the application. Here innovative materials such as, for example, shape memory materials and nanoparticle composites are paramount. New types of applications such as, for example, micro stents for ophthalmology and bioartificial vascular grafts, are also targets of the research.

New methods for visual analysis and for the determination of biocompatibility of products are being developed cross-functionally by the transversal projects Q1 “Cellular laser microscopy” and Q2 “Biocompatibility”. These are central to a successful transfer of knowledge in the later clinical application.

Long-term perspectives in the introduction of new technologies in implant technology, in the combination of established techniques (e.g., stent technology) with innovative approaches from medicine, biology and technology and in the development of new application areas above and beyond the topics listed result from this transregional special research area.