Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF)

The work group does research on novel biomaterials. A focus is set in the field of 3D tissue engineering. We develop 3D bioprinting techniques for the manufacturing of mimetic tissue replacement. In three-dimensionally printed tissue models the specific response of cells is investigated. Those models can be used especially as in vitro screening platforms for novel drugs. Moreover, we are interested in the interaction between implant surfaces and neighboring cells. Thus, we could show for the first time that the cellular reaction can be influenced by defined structures on the surface of an implant even on the sub-nanometer scale. In addition, we develop new organo-chemical functionalization techniques to improve the adhesion of native tissues on implant surfaces in vivo.