Bio Meets Micro Meets Tech

Whether it is biomedical engineering manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, or specialized production facilities – many industries and users today have research questions that require highly specialized laboratory environments and equipment. Factors such as sterility, atmospheric conditions, temperature, and spatial vibrations need to be precisely controlled for this purpose.

The laboratories of the Application Center for Microproduction Technology – AMP are designed precisely with this in mind. The biomedical laboratory and clean room enable the conceptualization, manufacturing, and functionalization of medical technology products. Effective sterilization strategies can be developed here and validated from a molecular and microbiological perspective for specific applications. Researchers have a wide range of methods and equipment at their disposal which allow customer orders to be mapped and processed along the entire micro production process chain. All of this is performed in-house and along short decision-making paths, thereby allowing individual solutions to be realized rapidly.

Our research and development    

•  Development of antimicrobial strategies based on alternative active ingredients
  
• Microbiological analysis and management of technical fluids, particularly cooling lubricants
  
• Antimicrobial functionalization of medical technology products
  
• Development and optimization of microfluidic systems
  
• Microbiological production of biopolymers
  

Biomedical laboratory  

In the biomedical laboratory corresponding to safety level 1 according to GenTSV (Genetic Technology Safety Regulations) as well as safety level 2 according to BioStoffV (Biological Agent Ordinance), partners are offered a microbial contamination testing for their applications. Once this contamination has been identified and characterized, researchers design suitable disinfection strategies and develop and test individually tailored technologies. Also available are sustainable process solutions, both in the form of innovative alternatives to conventional biocides as well as for the production and processing of bioplastics.

Equipment and methods:

Microbiology:
· Safety cabinet / sterile bench
· Cultivation of microorganisms
· Fluorescence microscope
· Autoclave
· Strain maintenance
· Enzyme conservation
· Precision balances

Molecular genetics – analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins:
· Traditional PCR and real-time PCR
· DNA analyses (electrophoresis, imager), DNA isolation
· Expression analyses (gel electrophoresis, blotting methods)
· Photometer, microtiter plate reader (FilterMax F5)

Bioprocess engineering:
· »Biostat B Single MO 2L« fermenter
· Avanti® J30I (110,000 x g) high-speed centrifuge
· High pressure homogenizer, sample volume 2 to 15 ml

Cleanroom

In the ISO Class 7 cleanroom which complies with DIN EN ISO 14644-1 (image 8), research teams develop coating strategies and production technology-based scaling methods for micro- and macrofluidic systems in a controlled atmosphere. Prototypes and small series are also manufactured here at the request of customers.

Equipment

• Thermobonder FINEPLACER® pico
• Low- and high-pressure pump system
•  Plasma station
  
• Microscope M205C
  
• Magnetron sputtering system
• Coating station for medical devices
• Particle sizer