Research in FORM

The regeneration process is a highly complicated and well-orchestrated event in which different parameters such as extracellular matrix (scaffold), cells, signaling molecules, and blood supply are essential. In FORM-Lab, we focus on understanding the basic mechanisms of the regeneration process with special attention to each of the involved parameters using specific methods to create a translational research series including ex vivo, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.

In the framework of different nationally and internationally funded projects, we focus on the biomaterial-based guided regeneration using different biomaterials as scaffold to support regeneration in the bone and soft tissue. Thus, the effect of collagen cross-linking on guided bone and tissue regeneration and their induced cellular reactions are studied to develop suitable collagen-based membranes for specific indication in bone and soft tissue regeneration (Osteology Foundation).

Furthermore, as regards wound healing which is a general event after surgical interventions, our group aims to develop a fiber-based drug delivery system as a wound cover for treatment of chronic wounds (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft (BMWi)) as well as the development of a nanostructured suture material (Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF). The role of the surface Nano-structure and its modification using antibacterial agents is a main topic of a project supported by the Smart Nano-objects for Alteration of Lipid bilayers (SNAL) (Initial Training Network - Marie Curie).

Additionally, innovative approaches for the repair and reconstruction of musculoskeletal tissues is being developed in the scope of a German-Chinese working group funded by the German Research Foundation - DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). Further studies focus on functionalization of barrier membranes to enhance their potential of growth factor release and build a drug delivery system for improved guided bone and tissue regeneration (German Research Foundation - DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft).

Also of note are various industrial collaborations, where we accompany the development of new biomaterials from preclinical in vitro and in vivo investigations to clinical applications and evaluations.