Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
Biofabrication is an interdisciplinary field of research that combines biotechnology with engineering and materials science. Accordingly, this area brings together expertise in the fields of biofabrication, cell and tissue technologies, and functional surfaces and materials. To translate these developments into practice, a biofabrication center is being established at Fraunhofer IGB and IGVP at the University of Stuttgart.
The new field of Biofabrication deals with process development and optimization for the production of tissue models and functional tissue substitutes, for example through bioprinting, co-culture models, defined and sustainable media, and bio-based carrier materials and bio-inks. The development of printable bioink formulations based on natural and bio-based polymer materials for 2D and 3D printing has already been incorporated into the Functional Surfaces and Materials research area.
In the field of Cell and Tissue Technologies, the institute provides 2D and 3D tissue models of varying complexity, as well as organoids and spheroids as in-vitro test systems for the safety assessment of pharmaceutical and cosmetic active ingredients and chemicals. The aim is to replace animal testing. A patented reporter skin model is already undergoing validation for OECD guidelines.
The Functional Surfaces and Materials research area develops coatings with a wide range of functions – e.g., hydrophilic, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, antimicrobial, or with defined functional groups – for a variety of industries. The customized modification of implants enables personalized solutions for medical technology.