Sponsored projects

We have established ourselves as an innovative player in the development and manufacture of laser systems and machines thanks to our extensive experience. Our proven expertise in laser technology and consistent focus on customer-specific solutions set us apart. Scientific research plays a central role in this context and makes a substantial contribution to our ongoing success.

Relevant research topics are summarized below:

  • Hicom – Pro:
    Process-integrative production and integration of complex-shaped hybrid multilayers with high functional density for rail vehicle construction

  • MobiLAB-4D:
    Measuring system for 4D quality control of prostheses in the synchrotron: Effects of coatings and novel laser textures on implant surfaces

  • Nanotool:
    Development of a positioning unit for the realization of sequentially laser-treated 2D surfaces with a homogeneity >99% and development of a 5-axis laser micromachining machine with a precision of +/- 1000 nm

  • MiZ:
    Production of microstructured surfaces to promote the inflammation-free integration of dental implants and prevent peri-implantitis

mobiLAB-4D Mobile measuring system for 4D quality control of implant surfaces in the synchrotron

Duration:
01.10.2019 -30.09.2022


Short project description


The demands on implant materials are becoming ever greater due to the increasing number of implantations and the higher expected age of patients. The effects of the surface structure of implants on clinical complications, such as infection or lack of osseointegration, have not been conclusively investigated. In particular, the role of nano- or microparticles that escape from the implants into the surrounding tissue is the subject of current research and development as well as regulatory innovations in connection with risk assessment.
Local exposure to metallic abrasion and corrosion products is a well-known problem in dental prosthetics. This can lead to increased local inflammation or hypersensitivity reactions. This results in inflammatory reactions in the surrounding tissue (peri-implantitis) and loss of quality of the peri-implant bone (osteolysis), whereby osteolysis can lead to early failure of the implant. Against this background, four clinically relevant questions are addressed in the project:

  • Release of nanoparticles
  • Toxicological risk assessment
  • Insufficient osseointegration
  • peri-implantitis

The overarching goal of this project is a significant reduction in possible complications after inserting an implant. This is to be achieved through the development of novel implant surfaces and their preclinical testing with regard to biocompatibility. For this purpose, a transport unit for organ-on-a-chip systems and a measuring chamber for time-resolved measurements in the synchrotron are being developed.
The project focuses on dental implants, but the results can also be transferred to other titanium-based implants (e.g. hip and knee implants). The development of novel implant surfaces in combination with meaningful, preclinical in vitro testing can serve as a model for future regulatory processes.


Project partners:

  • Xploraytion GmbH
  • Charité Universitätsmedizin
  • Fraunhofer IPK
  • Laser-Mikrotechnologie Dr. Kieburg GmbH

Associated partner:

  • Universitätsmedizin Greifswald
  • TissUse GmbH
  • A.K.TEK Medizintechnik GmbH


Financing:

This project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).