Research

Research Projects

• A: Switchable antimicrobial materials

  The project aims to develop novel antibiotic-free biomaterials for implants that prevent infections through targeted physical mechanisms. Our switchable surfaces will inhibit microbial adhesion while simultaneously promoting bone cell growth. The goal is to create long-term, infection-resistant implants with improved integration.

  

• B: Antimicrobial and bioactive nanoparticle functionalized protein coatings

  We investigate biomimetic antimicrobial implant coatings inspired by the extracellular matrix to prevent bacterial adhesion while promoting bone cell growth. By combining protein-based superstructures with bone-supporting nanoparticles, our materials are designed to improve implant integration and reduce infection risk. Through microbiological and cell biological research, we optimize these coatings for long-term performance at the implant–tissue interface.

  

• C: Antimicrobial bioactive glass for treatment of traumatic or pathological bone defects

  We identify and develop routes to custom-design bioactive glass compositions which simultaneously stimulate osteoblast growth and bone formation while preventing bacterial adhesion and biomaterial-associated infections. These bioactive glasses are optimized and tested in vitro, including antimicrobial evaluation using clinically relevant strains.

  

• D: Graphene based antimicrobial biomaterials

  Our aim is to develop graphene-based biomaterials for orthopedic implants that combine antimicrobial protection with enhanced bone cell growth. Using advanced surface engineering and innovative physical analyses, we design materials that reduce microbial adhesion while supporting implant integration. Our multidisciplinary research evaluates these biomaterials in vitro for both infection prevention and host cell promotion.

  

• E: Microbiological tests of materials platform

  We develop advanced methods to standardize and quantify microbial adhesion on novel antimicrobial biomaterials. By combining biomedical research, molecular analysis, optical microscopy, and microfluidics, the project uncovers how microbes adapt to these surfaces. This work provides a powerful testing platform to optimize future anti-adhesive and antimicrobial materials.

  

• F: Digitized antimicrobial biomaterials semantic knowledge base

  Our goal is to develop standardized computational approaches to advance research on biomaterial-associated infections. By creating a minimal information standard, semantic knowledge base, and automated image analysis workflows, we enable consistent integration and objective evaluation of experimental and simulated data. A tandem team of computer scientists works closely with biomedical researchers to bridge data analysis with in vitro and clinical applications.