Burger-Kentischer, Anke Dr.

The innovation field "Cell and Tissue Technologies" stands for the development and establishment of human in vitro test models for preclinical testing of drugs, determination of e.g. toxicity and allergenicity of cosmetics & chemicals as well as for clinical applications in personalized/precision medicine.

We develop a wide variety of model systems ranging from simple high throughput cell assays to macroscopic complex 3D tissue models. An overarching focus is on the integration of immune components. Based on this broad range of models, the toxicity of pharmaceutical agents ("small molecules", biopharmaceuticals, gene and cell therapeutics), cosmetic preparations or environmental and industrial chemicals can be tested. In addition to the development of "healthy" tissue structures, another focus is on the generation of disease states in in vitro models. These disease models provide a valuable contribution for the identification of targets, the investigation of drug efficacy and personalized medicine.

• Fraunhofer Excellence Award 2018