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Our dedicated editorial team works year-round to present you with high-quality content from the medical technology branch on our industry portal COMPAMED.de.

Whether you are interested in high-tech medical products, innovative technologies, or medical research - with us you will find well-founded articles that will help you stay up to date. Our editorial team closely follows the latest trends, medical advances and technologies.

Editorial articles cover a wide range of topics, including manufacturing of components and finished products, manufacturing equipment, components, modules, OEM equipment, electrical and electronical komponents, micro tech products, rwa materials, adhesives and software/ IT solutions, among many others. We offer in-depth analysis, expert interviews and informative articles and videos to help you better understand the complexities of the medical world.

We pride ourselves on being a trusted source of information for the medical industry and look forward to keeping you informed throughout the year.

Latest editorial news from the five COMPAMED sphere

Image: A blue 3D printed bandage on a hand; Copyright: Faraz Faruqi and Stefanie Mueller

AI-driven tool to personalize 3D-printable models

MIT researchers developed a generative-AI-driven tool that enables the user to add custom design elements to 3D models without compromising the functionality of the fabricated objects. A designer could utilize this tool, called Style2Fab, to personalize 3D models of objects using only natural language prompts to describe their desired design.

Image: Symbolic image of the use of artificial intelligence (brain in front of rusting metal) in corrosion research; Copyright: Max-Planck-Institut

Artificial intelligence designs advanced materials

Scientists of the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung pioneer new machine learning model for corrosion-resistant alloy design.

Image: Close-up of a laser performing metal laser material processing toned in blue; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

What can AI do in laser materials processing?

Automation and zero-defect production are important trends in machine construction. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a major role in advancing both of them. Today, it can already detect deviations in process monitoring data and implement quality control in real time. In the future, AI will regulate many more processes and simplify process planning through assistance functions.

Image: A patient is wheeled into a CT scanner. The patient smiles; Copyright: AZ-BLT

New imaging technology for a quick look inside a human being

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have succeeded in making a new imaging technique ready for use on humans. Radioactive markers and radiation are not necessary for this.

Image: A person works on a machine; Copyright: ThisisEngineering RAEng / Unsplash

Sensors: when the machine reports its status

Even if the central concern of digitally integrated production or Industry 4.0 is networking industrial systems – the individual machine remains a central focus point of optimization. The reasons: Networking requires interfaces that must first be implemented on the individual machine.

Image: A man working with a 3D printer; Copyright: Patrick Mansell/Penn State

Grant to facilitate high-speed bioprinting of bones, tracheas, organs

Developing technology to quickly and efficiently bioprint human tissues at scale is the goal of a new project led by Penn State researchers. When fully developed, the technology will be the first to enable the fabrication of scalable, native tissues such as bones, tracheas and organs.

Image: Doctoral candidate Lukas Hiendlmeier working on the self-folding electrodes; Copyright: Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Electrodes: 4D printing for nerve stimulation

Specific nerves may be stimulated artificially, for example to treat pain. The finer the nerves, the more difficult it is to attach the required electrodes. Researchers have now developed flexible electrodes produced with 4D printing technology. On contact with moisture, they automatically fold and wrap themselves around thin nerves.

Image: Image showing the preparation of hydrogels that enhance the viability of NK cells; Copyright: KIMM

3D bioprinting technology to be used for removing cancer cells

KIMM develops the world’s first 3D bioprinting technology that enhances the function of NK immune cells. The new technology is expected to improve effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Image: Six artificial fingerprint patterns with different properties to visualise individual fluorescence and topography; Copyright: Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces / Dr Felix Loeffler

Product safety: anti-counterfeiting through laser printing

A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) has developed a method that could make it more difficult to counterfeit products in the future. The new and patented method makes it possible to produce unique, non-copyable fluorescent patterns quickly, environmentally friendly and at low costs.

Image: The developed mini scanner and a two Euro coin for size comparison; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Compact laser scanner with 90 percent less construction volume

Galvanometer scanners have been in use in laser material processing for decades. However, a team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has now developed a new, particularly compact scanner module for applications in 3D printing, micromachining or medical technology.

Image: Close-up of a WFIRM gyroid-shaped construct on a blue-gloved hand; Copyright: WFIRM

Bioprinting research makes history when it soars to the ISS

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) will make history this month when the first bioprinted solid tissue constructs soar to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the next all private astronaut mission by commercial space leader Axiom Space.

Image: Barnika Chakraborty, Professor Rainer Adelung and Dr Leonard Siebert; Copyright: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

New sensors for healthier indoor air

People spend an average of 22 hours a day indoors, where furniture, carpets or wall paints can release harmful solvents over time. The scientists in the international doctoral programme "SENNET" aim to detect such pollutants. They want to develop reliable sensors based on special, porous materials.

Image: Researchers taking a picture of a sample on the transmission electron microscope; Copyright: TU Bergakademie Freiberg / D. Müller

Iron oxide nanoparticles for medical applications

How to further improve the special magnetic properties of nanoparticles by microstructure design has been investigated by a team at TU Bergakademie Freiberg using analytical high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Image: New cleanroom for microchip production; Copyright: DTU/ERIK Arkitekter/Tegnestuen Kontekst

DTU builds new cleanroom for microchip production

DTU is expanding its cleanroom facilities to meet the high demand for microchips from companies and researchers. The expansion will also strengthen the development of quantum computers, which are based on research and development of new chips.

Image: Demonstrator for the counterfeit-proof Smart ID barcode system is tested on a smartphone; Copyright: Fraunhofer IAP

SmartID – Detect product piracy quickly

In the SmartID project, scientists at Fraunhofer are developing a counterfeit-proof barcode system for authenticity verification simply by using a smartphone without accessing a database.

Image: Close up: Multisensory stamp and forming parts on a white background; Copyright: Fraunhofer IST

Multisensory tools for digital process monitoring

The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST presents innovative solutions for real-time data acquisition directly in the running process.

Image: A smart bandage rests on a gloved finger; Copyright: Caltech

'Smart' bandages monitor wounds and provide targeted treatment

A new kind of smart bandage developed at Caltech may make treatment of chronic wounds easier, more effective, and less expensive. These smart bandages were developed in the lab of Wei Gao, assistant professor of medical engineering, Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator, and Ronald and JoAnne Willens Scholar.

Image: Four people pose next to a technical apparatus,Dr. Philip Wollmann, Dr. Wulf Grählert, Oliver Throl and Livia Szathmáry (from left); Copyright: Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS

Sharp hyperspectral eye for chip production

Precise two-dimensional analysis of high-tech layers in microelectronics, battery factories or even in the automotive sector approaches within reach. A measuring system developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS.

Image: nerve cell on a blue background; Copyright: claudioventrella

Nanoparticle-based deep brain stimulation can treat Parkinson's disease

With the onset of an aging population, the annual incidence of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease is escalating rapidly. One of the various therapeutic approaches for such diseases is deep brain stimulation. Recently, a research team at POSTECH developed a new technique for administering electrical stimulation to the brain without the need for implanted electrodes.

Image: Two men assemble parts in a clean room; Copyright: FBH/P. Immerz

Speeding up diagnostics! Entangled photon pairs to help fighting cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death and the most feared disease in aging Western societies, representing the greatest challenge to modern medicine. Since cancer cannot be prevented, early and differentiated detection is extremely important for rapid intervention and cure.

Image: Shape of a bird in the center of several concentric shells; Copyright: Kai Melde, MPI for Medical Research

Creating 3D objects with sound

Scientists from the Micro, Nano and Molecular Systems Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research and the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials at Heidelberg University have created a new technology to assemble matter in 3D. Their concept uses multiple acoustic holograms to generate pressure fields.

Image: Graphic of a nanoparticle with attached blood proteins on their way into a cell; Copyright: MPI-P.

In the core of the cell: New insights into the utilization of nanotechnology-based drugs

Novel drugs are based on drug transport using nanoparticles. Whether this drug transport is negatively influenced by an accumulation of blood proteins on the nanoparticle’s surface was not clarified for a long time. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have now followed the path of such a particle into a cell using a combination of several microscopy methods.

Image: Macro image of a human green eye; Copyright: Kohanova

Better manufacturing and storage of retinal implants

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye condition. It is the most frequent cause of blindness in humans. In most cases, the chronic progression of the retinal condition is not curable. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a new method for the production and clinical application of stem-cell-based retinal implants.

Image: Screen-printed electrodes held by a gloved hand; Copyright: Washington State University

Screen-printing method can make wearable electronics less expensive

The glittering, serpentine structures that power wearable electronics can be created with the same technology used to print rock concert t-shirts, new research shows.

Image: Raytracing simulation of the LPBF process; Copyright: Fraunhofer IWM

Additive manufacturing – simulated from start to finish

Additive manufacturing of tools using a laser powder bed fusion process offers a great number of advantages. That said, it can be difficult to determine the optimal process parameters. For the first time, researchers at Fraunhofer are now simulating the process at the microstructure level in order to identify direct correlations between the workpiece properties and the selected process parameters.

Image: A glass press in a production room enables the automated production of high-precision optical glass components; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPT

Research: automated series production of optics with new glass press

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen has expanded its machinery with a new system for the automated molding of high-precision optical glass components.

Image: Antenna packages for 6G; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

6G is right around the corner

The digital world is booming and has long since become part of everyday life in industry and society. More recent developments such as autonomous driving, telemedicine, but also private use require ever higher rates to transmit large amounts of data in real time. 6G should help with this: The aim is to transmit 1,000 GB/s and reduce latency to a tenth compared to 5G.

Image: Four men in a bright room: Prof. Jens Krzywinski in conversation with the directors of the participating Fraunhofer institutes; Copyright: Christin Scholz / Fraunhofer IVI

Establishing design as integral component in research and development

In its various disciplines and manifestations, design is increasingly gaining importance in Fraunhofer's research. Supporting this trend, the three Fraunhofer Institutes IVI, IWS and IWU in Dresden, together with Technische Universität Dresden, are establishing the "DesignLab for Applied Research" on behalf of the research community.

Image: A woman in work clothes and with a headset is standing in front of a demonstrator of a production machine; Copyright: Fraunhofer IDMT / Anika Bödecker

Intuitive machine control using speech recognition

Fraunhofer researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT in Oldenburg have developed a speech recognition solution for use in industrial manufacturing. The system works reliably even in noisy environments and can be flexibly adapted to the user’s needs.

Image: A slide with blood - left and an arm to which a spray is applied - right.; Copyright: Anna Lena Lundqvist/Chalmers

New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten threats to global health. A group of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are now presenting a new spray that can kill even antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and that can be used for wound care and directly on implants and other medical devices.

Image: Graphic of a nanoparticle striked by a blue and red light beam; Copyright: MPI-P

How optical microscopes allow detailed investigations of nanoparticles

It sounds like trying to scan a vinyl record with a hammer: Light is actually too "coarse" to image small particles on the nanometer scale. However, in their project "Supercol" – funded by the European Union – scientists want to achieve just that: The investigation of nanoparticles with light.

Image: Schematic structure of a sensor for the detection of viral pathogens; Copyright: TUD

Diagnostics: pioneering approaches for the detection of viral antigens

Scientists from the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at TU Dresden (TUD) have made considerable progress in the development of highly innovative solutions for the detection of viral pathogens in two studies they presented recently.

Image: An employee with a hairnet and smock stands at a complex high-tech system in a green-lit room; Copyright: TU Dresden/IHM

Project for microelectronics resarch in Germany launched

The BMBF-funded project “Forschungslabore Mikroelektronik Deutschland (ForLab)” brings together 14 German universities active in microelectronics research. Through the ForLab project, they were able to invest in new facilities that will open up new areas of research.

Image: Ian Nicholls is standing in a laboratory; Copyright: Joakim Palmqvist

Advanced biosensors to detect tumors, viruses and bacterial diseases

Linnaeus University is partnering with industry and healthcare to develop advanced biosensors, investing SEK 35 million in a project aimed at faster and cost-effective diagnoses of aggressive lung cancer, viral, and bacterial diseases, potentially enabling self-testing at home.

Image: Associate Professor Lee Seok Wo holding up the flexible battery that is as thin as a human cornea.; Copyright: NTU Singapore

Micrometres-thin battery could power smart contact lenses

Scientists from NTU Singapore have developed a flexible battery as thin as a human cornea, which stores electricity when it is immersed in saline solution, and which could one day power smart contact lenses.

Image: A technical drawing with 3 inputs and one output; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

Future chips: using magnetic effects in electrons for a hundredfold reduction in power consumption

SPIDER project: Using spinwave technology, EU consortium led by Fraunhofer IZM aims to cut computer chip power consumption by 100x. Magnon-based approach promises energy-efficient computing. Project runs till May 2026 with €3M funding.

Image: In the picture you can see a lotus leaf with water two hands in gloves and the product. ; Copyright: National University of Singapore

Nature-inspired pressure sensing technology aims to transform healthcare and surgical robots

NUS researchers have developed 'eAir', an innovative pressure sensor inspired by the lotus leaf effect. This sensor could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries by providing tactile feedback to surgeons and improve patient experiences in monitoring intracranial pressure. Its unique design enhances precision and reliability, potentially transforming various medical applications.

Image: A man holds a glass object with a glove.; Copyright: Jean Lachat

Smallest known way to guide light invented

Scientists at the University of Chicago found a glass crystal just a few atoms thick can trap and carry light - and could be used for applications.

Image: A graphic of blood cells flowing within the body.; Copyright: iLexx

Noninvasive technology tests for malaria without a blood sample

Yale researchers and CytoAstra develop cytophone, a laser-ultrasound platform for noninvasive malaria detection. Funding from Gates Foundation supports prototype development and testing in Burkina Faso. Improved sensitivity offers promising diagnosis and treatment potential, bypassing emerging antigen test challenges.

Image: Symbol image for a proof-of-concept air quality monitor that can detect live SARS-CoV-2 virus; Copyright: Joseph Puthussery

Biosensing: air monitor can detect COVID-19 variants

Scientists are looking at ways to surveil indoor environments in real time for viruses. By combining recent advances in aerosol sampling technology and an ultrasensitive biosensing technique, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a real-time monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in a room in about 5 minutes.

Image: Group picture of 16 people, the Newlife consortium at Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

Pregnancy: intelligent patch for remote monitoring

A patch equipped with highly sensitive electronics is meant to collect and evaluate vital data. In addition, the sensors will be integrated into baby clothing in order to improve the future of medical monitoring for newborns with the highest level of data security.

Image: Sarah Du, Ph.D., inventor and an associate professor; Copyright: Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University

U.S. patent for portable tool to diagnose and monitor sickle cell disease

In the United States, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people and about 2 million Americans carry this genetic mutation. The most common and serious problems caused by sickle cell disease are anemia, pain and organ failure – stroke affects about 10 out of 100 children who have this disease. The national median life expectancy for people who have sickle cell disease can reach up to age 50.

Image: A person sits at a laser scanning microscope for tumor delineation; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPMS

Micro scanners in medicine: flexible for customized applications

The potential of micro scanners in medical technology is immense. Their small size, low weight and high energy efficiency make them ideal for mobile use. More than 200 different micro scanner designs have been developed at Fraunhofer IPMS to meet customer-specific requirements.

Image: Microscope image: Magnetic nanoparticles bind specifically to the spherical bacteria which are about 1 µm in size; Copyright: Empa

Antibiotics crisis: rapid test for sepsis with nanoparticles

For Qun Ren, every minute counts. The Empa researcher and her team are currently developing a diagnostic procedure that can detect life-threatening blood poisoning caused by staphylococcus bacteria rapidly.

Image: Two men and two women pose on the floor with funny gestures in front of a projector screen; Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry

Optics: Ångström-resolution fluorescence microscopy

A breakthrough in fluorescence microscopy has been achieved by the research group of Ralf Jungmann at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich.

Image: Super-miniaturized IoT sensor; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

World's smallest impedance spectroscopy system in form of a pill

Imagine a scenario where you simply just throw in a pill to identify an error—this is now one step closer to reality thanks to the work done by researchers at Fraunhofer IZM in cooperation with Micro Systems Technologies (MST) and Sensry GmbH. As small as a piece of candy, the waterproof IoT sensor can reliably measure the properties of liquids even in hard-to-reach places.

Image: Microelectronics assembly industrial factory - interior and group of workers; Copyright: astakhovyaroslav

SEMECO revolutionizes the medical electronics industry

The project partners in the BMBF's SEMECO future cluster are convinced that the future of medical technology lies in the combination of digital innovation, safety and improved approval processes.

Image: A human brain organoid (red) grows on the hammock-like structure of a mesh MEA; Copyright: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine

Microelectrode array: hammock for brain organoids

Novel microelectrode array system enables long-term cultivation and electrophysiological analyses of brain organoids.

Image: Functional model of capsule; Copyright: SIAT

Capsule X-ray dosimeter for real-time radiotherapy monitoring

In radiotherapy, precision in targeting tumor tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissue is crucial. Monitoring the dose of radiation delivered and absorbed in real-time, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, poses significant difficulty.

Image: ARC trial participant in active therapy: ARC Therapy is designed to deliver targeted, programmed spinal cord stimulation; Copyright: ONWARD Medical NV

Kick-off: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network "ReWIRE"

Through ReWIRE, next-generation scientists will be trained to develop translational breakthrough therapeutic solutions for patients with paralysis caused by traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Image: Detailed images of neurons in a mouse brain; Copyright: Anna Maria Reuss (USZ) & Fabian Voigt (UZH)

Scallop eyes as inspiration for new microscope objectives

Neuroscientists at the University of Zurich have developed innovative objectives for light microscopy by using mirrors to produce images. Their design finds correspondence in mirror telescopes used in astronomy on the one hand and the eyes of scallops on the other.

Image: Picture of the complete sensor with a PDMS well of 100 μl volume for the drop test; Copyright: HZDR/Sandoval Bojorquez

Nanobiosensor developed for detecting SARS-CoV-2

Infection and immunity status of the population are considered key parameters for handling pandemics. For this purpose, detecting antigens and antibodies is of great importance. The devices currently used for this purpose - what are known as point-of-care (POC) devices- are one option for rapid screening.

Image: Novel chitosan particles and encapsulation technologies; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPK / Larissa Klassen

New technologies for producing mRNA-based pharmaceuticals

mRNA-based vaccines have been one of the key elements in the fight against the coronavirus. The technology was originally developed for cancer therapy and can be used to treat many diseases. Together with partners, Fraunhofer IPK is now researching how mRNA therapeutics and other medication can be better produced and more effectively applied.

Picture: Toddler with blond hair and a cochlear implant; Copyright: envato/ Satura_

ERC Proof of Concept Grant for Tobias Moser

Auditory neuroscientist of the University Medical Center Göttingen receives additional funding by the European Research Council. His project "OptoWave" concentrates on optimizing the optical cochlear implant for the application in hearing impaired people.

Image: Hand with a glove is holding a rectangle chip with the words "Xie Lab" on it; Copyright: Georgia Tech

New ultrafast water disinfection method more environmentally friendly

Having safe drinking water is vital for public health, but traditional methods of disinfection cause their own environmental problems. Chlorine is cheap and easy to use in centralized water systems, but at the expense of harmful chemical byproducts.

Image: Representation of a human forearm, with muscles, tendons and bones, around which microimplants are visible distributed; Copyright: WILDDESIGN GmbH, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

A new generation of microimplants

They are barely the size of a thumbnail, able to communicate with each other and respond to each other, and designed to make life easier for people with functional limitations. We are talking about a new generation of interactive microimplants developed by the innovation cluster INTAKT.

Image: The ball shapes are bacteria and the “sheet” is black phosphorus, under the microscope at RMIT University; Copyright: Aaron Elbourne and colleagues, RMIT University

Ultrathin nanotech promises to help tackle antibiotic resistance

Researchers have invented a nano-thin superbug-slaying material that could one day be integrated into wound dressings and implants to prevent or heal bacterial infections.

Image: dr Margarethe Hauck (right) and Lena Saure, wearing glasses and a white coat, test the hydrogel in the laboratory; Copyright: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

Muscles for soft robots inspired by nature

A research team from the Department of Materials Science at Kiel University (CAU) has now developed a new material based on a hydrogel that functions similarly to a muscle. The soft material can be reduced and enlarged in a controlled manner within a short time and could thus take on motion tasks in soft robotics, for example.

Image: Dr. Hu Tang, first author of the study, in front of a high-pressure press at the Bavarian Research Institute; Copyright: UBT / Chr. Wißler.

New glass with supreme toughness

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth, together with partners in China and the USA, have produced an oxide glass with unprecedented toughness.

Image: Light-activatable liquid metal nanostimulant in cancer therapy; Copyright: Eijiro Miyako from JAIST

Cancer photoimmunotherapy: novel liquid metal nanoparticles

JAIST researchers create liquid metal nanoparticles (PEG-IMIQ-LM) for cancer treatment, merging photothermal therapy and immunotherapy. Disintegration delivers immunomodulants and tracks cancer cells in real-time. Immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances cancer removal. Promising for future cancer theranostics, with clinical trials anticipated in a decade.

Image: Close-up of a boy with a healed minor cut after surgical tape stitches; Copyright: ellinnur

Biomaterials: toolbox for the development of bioadhesives

The team of Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel, Chair of Biomaterials at the University of Bayreuth, has compiled a current overview of the state of research on protein-based bioadhesives.

Image: A man stands in front of a monitor showing the atomistic structure of a polymer with carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms; Copyright: UBT / Chr. Wißler

Digital AI system for tailoring polymers

Prof. Dr. Christopher Kuenneth together with research partners in Atlanta, USA, have now developed a digital system that promises extraordinarily high economical, technological and ecological benefits: from around 100 million theoretically possible polymers, their system can precisely select those materials that have an ideal property profile for targeted applications at unprecedented speed.

Image: Intelligent rubber material that adapts to ambient humidity. This wristband shows the material's ability to adapt, in this case, to wrist movements.; Copyright: University of Stuttgart, FSM-Lab

Intelligent rubber materials

Autonomously switchable polymer materials have recently been developed by materials scientists at the University of Stuttgart and pharmacists at the University of Tübingen.

Image: Dynamics of the molecular precursor in the nanochannel during the MOCVD process (left in the picture) and typical SEM cross-sectional view; Copyright: Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

Functional surface refinement: control of growth dynamics of finest tin layers

Nanometer-scale coatings with functional materials play an important role in many sensory, electronic and photonic applications. An international team of researchers – coordinated by Leibniz IPHT in Jena, Germany – has succeeded for the first time in observing novel growth effects of tin coatings on silicon nanometer-structured surfaces.

Image: A scientist in lab uniform inspects a smooth surface; Copyright: StreetOncamara_From_Twenty20

NOVA project: next generation of antimicrobial coating technologies

Researchers develop and test highly efficient, environmentally friendly and stable antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) coating technologies in the NOVA project.

Image: The Collembola Tetrodontophora bielanensis in its natural habitat; Copyright: Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden/NATURE

Bionics: What makes cholesterol-containing surfaces so repulsive?

Living organisms use powerful physical principles to control interactions at their surfaces. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Leipzig University and TU Dresden have now discovered why cholesterol-containing surfaces can exhibit greatly reduced attachment of proteins and bacteria.

Image: Fraunhofer IAF’s wide-field magnetometer; Copyright: Fraunhofer IAF

Materials science: fast magnetic imaging with diamond-based quantum sensor technology

Microscopic imaging of magnetic fields, enabled by quantum sensing, allows the measurement of the unique magnetic fingerprint of objects. This opens the door for fundamentally new applications in various fields such as materials testing or biomedicine. The system offers a unique compromise of sensitivity, resolution and speed.

Image: The hydrogel composite is demonstratively stretched by Alexandre Anthis; Copyright: Empa

Sensor patch for abdominal surgery

Researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich have developed a plaster with a sensor function to ensure that wounds in the abdomen remain tightly closed after an operation.

Image: R2R printed electronic components on paper ; Copyright: K. Selsam/Fraunhofer ISC

CircEl-Paper: Recyclable paper-based electronics

Billions of tons of electronic waste are produced in the EU every year. With a novel approach, the new EU project "CircEl-Paper" could sustainably improve the recycling process for electronics in the future.

Image: Woman with glasses and gray-brown hair, Carole Planchette, stands by a pillar; Copyright: Fotogenia - Renate Trummer

Tissue Engineering: TU Graz revolutionises production of biocompatible microfibres

Using a newly developed method for the efficient and cost-effective production of biocompatible microfibres, the production of autologous skin and organs can be significantly accelerated.

Image: PhD student Maja Struczynska with the model of a single fibrinogen molecule; Copyright: Jens Meyer/Uni Jena

Specially coated titanium reduces risk of clots on prostheses

An international research team led by the german University of Jena has now developed a promising approach to significantly reducing blood clotting on the heart valve material titanium.

Image: Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel and Vanessa Trossmann in a laboratory for the microscopic examination of cell structures; Copyright: UBT / Chr. Wißler.

Regenerative medicine: cell-specific properties of novel spider silk materials

Materials made of spider silk can be specifically modified or processed in such a way that living cells of a certain type adhere to them, grow and proliferate. This has been discovered by researchers at the University of Bayreuth under the direction of Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel.

Image: the three-in-one hybrid material "Smartskin", which closely resembles human skin; Copyright: Lunghammer - TU Graz

Smart artificial skin in application check stage

The smart skin developed by Anna Maria Coclite has many potential applications – from robotics and cosmetic surgery to prosthetics. With an ERC Proof of Concept Grant, the researcher is now exploring its possible practical applications.

Image: Aligner made of shape memory polymers; Copyright: Fraunhofer IAP

Smart materials for aligner therapy

Clinically effective, custom-made, discreet and comfortable - the demands on aligners for the therapy of malocclusions are high. This also applies to the material of these orthodontic splints. A team has now developed a highly innovative material that enables completely new treatment concepts and reduces costs. The scientists focused on polymers with shape memory properties.

Image: Group photo of the project partners in Sevilla / Spain; Copyright: DECHEMA e.V.

Recovery of battery metals - project launch of Metallico

How can battery metals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, manganese and nickel be recycled in a sustainable way? This question is in the focus of the new EU project METALLICO, in which DECHEMA is also involved. 23 partners from nine countries will optimize five innovative processes for the recovery of those metals and subsequently demonstrate these in case studies on an industrially relevant scale.

Image: Symbol image for artificial intelligence; Copyright: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay

Using AI to design innovative materials

Advanced materials become increasingly complex due to the high requirements they have to fulfill regarding sustainability and applicability. Dierk Raabe and colleagues reviewed the use of artificial intelligence in materials science and the untapped spaces it opens if combined with physics-based simulations.

Image: Biopolyester food packaging; Copyright: MPI-IS

Sustainability for biodegradable artificial muscles

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, at Johannes Kepler University and at University of Colorado Boulder developed fully biodegradable, high-performance artificial muscles. Their research project marks another step towards green technology becoming a lasting trend in the field of soft robotics.

Image: Schematic diagram of the construction of biomolecular glass and its unique properties; Copyright: XING Ruirui

Researchers develop biodegradable, biorecyclable glass

A research group led by Prof. YAN Xuehai from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a family of eco-friendly glass of biological origin fabricated from biologically derived amino acids or peptides.

Image:three rolls of lingin in gold and black; Copyright: DITF

Carbon fibers based on wood

The DITF have developed a sustainable and cost-saving process to produce carbon fibers from lignin. This is an inexpensive raw material that is available in large quantities and is a waste product in paper production. The process offers high energy-saving potential and is particularly environmentally friendly. It uses natural, renewable raw materials and does not require solvents.

Image: Photograph of the semitransparent hydrogel used in this study; Copyright: Satoshi Tanikawa, et al. 2023

Healing the brain: hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Synthetic hydrogels were shown to provide an effective scaffold for neuronal tissue growth in areas of brain damage, providing a possible approach for brain tissue reconstruction.

Image: A smiling man with blue shirt, short grey hair and glasses is standing at the sea - Prof. Uwe Bornscheuer; Copyright: Laura Schirrmeister

Degradation of plastic waste using newly developed biocatalysts

The plastic materials polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol can now be degraded under mild conditions with the help of enzymes as biocatalysts. Scientists from the University of Greifswald have developed corresponding methods together with the German company Covestro and teams from Leipzig and Dublin, as recently published in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., in two separate articles.

Image: Security architecture 2.0 blue diagram for telematics infrastructure; Copyright: Fraunhofer AISEC

Future-proof security architecture for healthcare communications

Germany’s telematics infrastructure (TI) aims to allow healthcare professionals to exchange patient data securely, rapidly and from anywhere. The platform for healthcare applications will soon see a new security architecture. The aim is to make it easier to exchange data between all parties involved as well as to facilitate access to specialist services.

Image: Graphic of a processor on a mainboard on the processor is a brain graphically recorded; Copyright: iLexx

Materials for AI: more brainpower for hardware and software

Researchers are developing neuromorphic materials to optimize adaptive algorithms for autonomous driving and more. These materials resemble brain structure, enabling faster and more efficient algorithm responses. Supported by Volkswagen Foundation with €1 million, the team aims to apply the approach to hardware.

Image: Smiling woman with black blazer, glasses, and blond hair in a laboratory – Dr. Julia Westermayr; Copyright: Swen Reichhold

AI: new method for targeted design of molecules

Engineering novel molecules and materials with specific properties can yield significant advances for industrial processes, drug discovery and optoelectronics. However, the search for novel molecules and materials is comparable to looking for a needle in a haystack, since the number of molecules in chemical space is of the unimaginable order of 10 to the power of 60.

Image: Rong Yang works with an initiated chemical vapor deposition system in her lab; Copyright: Charissa King-O’Brien | Cornell University

Engineers to advance nanomedicine manufacturing using AI

A novel combination of artificial intelligence and production techniques could change the future of nanomedicine, according to Cornell researchers using a new $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to revolutionize how polymer nanoparticles are manufactured.

Image: Raster animation of a human head sticking out of a tablet, robotic arms work on its brain; Copyright: Petra Ritter / BIH

EU project to establish AI and robotics in healthcare

The EU project TEF-Health aims to test and validate innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions for the healthcare sector and accelerate their path to market.

Image: 3D microscopic image of an optical LED-based cochlear implant (blue LEDs in gray silicone encapsulation) with hair cells (orange) and auditory nerve (blue/green); Copyright: Daniel Keppeler, UM

Better hearing with optical cochlear implants

Understanding spoken words, developing normal speech - cochlear implants enable people with profound hearing impairment to gain a great deal in terms of quality of life. However, background noises are problematic, they significantly compromise the comprehension of speech of people with cochlear implants. The team led by Tobias Moser is therefore working to improve cochlear implants.

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