Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam
and Plasma Technology FEP
Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam
and Plasma Technology FEP
Unsere Arbeitsgebiete

Biomedical Laboratory Complex

The modern biomedical laboratory complex of the Fraunhofer FEP, which has been certified to safety level S1, comprises laboratory units for microbiology, cell biology, bioanalytics, as well as for surface chemistry and biotechnological reaction processes. This enables us to conduct interdisciplinary and industry-oriented research and development for a wide range of life science applications. We combine our technological core competencies, such as low-energy electron beam technology, with medical and biotechnological applications. The laboratory unit meets all the requirements for biological safety level S2.

Our extensive range of laboratory and measurement technology allows us to offer customized solutions to a variety of industries, including medical technology, pharmaceuticals, environmental technology, and biotechnology. We integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Focus areas

  • In vitro microbiology and cell biology are employed to elucidate complex mechanisms of action
  • The utilisation of low-energy electron beam technology, with a maximum energy of less than 300 keV, for:
    • Sterilization and inactivation
    • Material modification and cross-linking
    • The hormetic stimulation of biotechnological processes
    • The processes of seed and wastewater treatment
  • Innovative plasma and UV disinfection solutions research
  • Biocompatible materials development
  • Integrated bioreactor systems for biotechnology processes

By combining electron beam processes with biotechnology, we are opening up new applications for sustainable resource extraction, energy generation and the production of bio-based materials.

Microbiology Laboratory Unit

  • Aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of microorganisms
  • Assessment and detection of surface selective contamination and the degree of the contamination
  • Hygienization concepts for sterilization and disinfection using electron beam, UV and plasma technology
  • Sterility and bioburden testing
  • Targeted contamination with subsequent application of selective strategies for the hygienization of materials
  • Testing of biocides, substrates and surfaces
  • Antimicrobial evaluation of coatings
  • Investigation of biofilm formation
  • Investigation of the effect of low-energy electron irradiation on microbial activity
  • Investigation of factors influencing the biomass and product synthesis of phototrophic microorganisms

Cell Biology Laboratory Unit

  • Cell cultivation of suspension cells and adherent cells (primary cells, cell lines) in mono- and co-culture
  • Biocompatibility and biofunctionality testing of materials and surfaces, including selective surface treatment technologies
  • Cell analysis: assessment of viability, proliferation, differentiation; changes in cell number, cell cycle and membrane potential
  • Evaluation of cell and tissue damage by assessment of apoptotic damage through assessment of apoptosis, necrosis and DNA damage
  • Assessment of cell adhesion: interaction of surfaces with cells
  • Cytotoxicity testing
  • Preparation and modification of biological tissues using electron beam technology
  • Targeted manipulation of cell function using electron beam technology (inactivation or stimulation)

Biotechnological processes

© Fraunhofer FEP
Samples with electron beam treated bacteria for bioleaching
  • Exposure of aqueous systems containing microorganisms or cells to accelerated electrons for use in recycling processes, power generation, chemical supply and wastewater treatment, or vaccine production
  • Monitoring of bioprocesses via sensors
  • Methods for (indirect) cell density determination
  • Sum parameter determination in wastewater analysis
  • Construction of bioreactor systems with/without integrated electron beam sources

Surface chemistry processes

Electron-beam surface modification ensures that material properties remain stable over time, while allowing surface properties to be modified:

  • Modulation of wetting properties by surface functionalization
  • Improvement of material-specific adhesion properties
  • Selective modification of the biocompatibility of material surfaces
  • Grafting processes for functional surface coatings (non-stick coatings, biocidal coatings)
  • Cross-linking and curing of surface selective coatings
  • Material-friendly surface disinfection

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