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

Biomedical laboratory unit

Cell biology

In our cell biology laboratory we analyze cells (cell count, cell proliferation, cell vitality, apoptosis rate, and cellular metabolism) in order to be able to make statements about the biofunctionality of surfaces and products. We also measure contact angles, surface tension, and surface energy.

Microbiology

In our microbiology laboratory we measure the degree of disinfection, sterilization, and biofunctionalization achieved by surface treatment methods. Treatment methods available at the Fraunhofer FEP include plasma treatment, electron beam treatment, and coating methods. In order to analyze the surface properties, microbiological test procedures are specially developed and adapted.

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Range of services

  • microbiological and cell-biological characterization
  • biocompatibility tests
  • chemical-physical surface analysis
  • material science related surface analysis
  • process analysis for cleaning processes
  • development of transport and sterilization cycles
  • development of test methods for quality assurance in production processes
  • development and adaptation of customized microbiological test procedures for:
  • antibacterial surfaces
  • sterile packaging, sterile processes
  • pharmaceutical raw materials
  • implants, devices, and disposable products
  • effectiveness of methods for germ reduction and determination of dose-effect relationships
  • determination of optimum wetting behavior using the cell adhesion model
  • analysis of current status, consultancy, and optimization of measures
  • analysis of the release of neurotransmitters
  • systematic analysis of the effect of test products on cell-biological processes for important cells:
  • revitalization tests
  • determination of dose-effect relationships
  • analysis of the cell cycle
  • quantification of apoptotic, necrotic, and vital cells

Equipment and facilities

  • cell biology
  • flow cytometry
  • MTP reader assays
  • optical and fluorescence microscopy
  • microbiology
  • impedance measurements
  • fixed bed cultures and liquid cultures for qualitative/quantitative
  • analysis
  • turbidity measurements
  • fluorescence microscopy
  • other methods
  • SEM (scanning electron microscopy) / EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)
  • contact angle, surface energy measurement
  • UV/VIS spectroscopy
  • IR spectroscopy

Example applications

  • proof of sterility for electron beam treated packaging for pharmaceutical products
  • proof of the sterilizing effect of electron beam treatment on medical instruments
  • demonstration of the biocompatibility of modified plastic surfaces
  • demonstration of the suitability of titanium dioxide coated medical devices for photocatalytic disinfection
  • testing the compatibility of electrical insulation layers for improving the functioning of pacemaker electrodes
  • testing the biocompatibility of artificial heart valves having functional coatings

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