Polymers for Medicine
KeyLab coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Groll
Phone: +49 (0)931 / 201 73610
E-mail: juergen.groll@fmz.uni-wuerzburg.de
Homepage: Department for functional materials in medicine and dentistry
Research group Biofabrication:
Prof. Dr. Paul Dalton
Phone: +49 (0)931 / 201 74081
E-mail: paul.dalton@fmz.uni-wuerzburg.de
Zetasizer Nano ZSP
Light scattering device with HeNe laser (633 nm), two detectors (13 ° and 173 °C) and heating/cooling system for measurements from 2 °C to 90 °C. Determination of zeta potential, protein mobility with high sensitivity (down to 15 kDa) as well as particle size and molecule weight using dynamic and static light scattering.
Laser Cutter
The device (Rayjet 50 C30, Trotec Laser GmBH) can cut and engrave a plethora of materials (plastics, wood, metal, etc.) automatically and with high precision. Also, the device has its own suction and filtering system (Atmo Compact) to filter any toxic gases, that are produced during the working process.
Micro-Compounder
The micro compounder MC5 including vari-batch barrel MC2 from Xplore Instruments can be used to homogenize smallest batch sizes of molten polymers with particles or short fibres. Further, a software package for online monitoring of the viscosity can be used to control the mixing process and hence, the quality of the compounding procedure. Therefore, a variety of polymer blends can be achieved for subsequent formative processing via 3D printing for instance.
Polymers play an important role in medical applications and biomaterials are already routinely used in clinical applications. However, many medically approved polymers are not yet optimized for their aspired application. Properties such as mechanical characteristics, plasticity and degradation behavior need to be adapted to the designated application. For medical applications, the surface properties are also of major importance. Polymers are also constantly gaining attention in modern biomaterial research where polymeric materials must act as mechanically stable, degradable and custom-made scaffolds, drug carriers or hydrogel-based artificial biomimetic extracellular matrix. In this area, major progress could be achieved via 3D printing of hierarchical materials with tissue-like structures.
The KeyLab Polymers for Medicine supports research and development activities focusing on novel polymeric materials for medical applications. Problem- and process-oriented research and development activities are promoted by the close cooperation with the medical faculties and the university hospital. The KeyLab Polymers for Medicine fosters collaborations between the BPI and the translational center for cell-based therapies in Würzburg, which will supplement the facilities and expertise of the KeyLab with respect to biological in vivo evaluations and regulatory aspects.