Material Characterization
Our department draws on a comprehensive range of analytical methods for structure elucidation in both physico-chemical and cell biological, microbiological and molecular biological investigations.
The characterization of synthesized or derivatized biomaterials is carried out with standard analytical methods of determining the structure of organic compounds. In addition, our department has biological S2 laboratory in which in vitro studies on cytocompatibility, cell viability, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, biodegradation and sterilizability can be performed. Cell stimulation processes such as immunostimulation can also be evaluated. Detection of the antimicrobial activity of certain materials, such as antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral properties, completes the range of our test methods.
The following test methods are available:
- Spectroscopic methods: FT-IR, UV-VIS, NMR (in cooperation with other research institutes)
- Molar mass determination and distribution: GPC, viscometry, MALDI-TOF-MS
- Drug release analytics: analytical and preparative HPLC
- Mechanical investigations: Compressive and tensile strength, 3-point bending strength, modulus of elasticity, shear tests
- Morphology, porosity measurements: pycnometer, REM
- Cell biological tests: Scratch assay, agar overlay assay, Live/dead assay, WST1® and WST8® assay, CellTiter-Glo® test
- Microbial methods: BacTiter-Glo® test, CFU determination, MIC determination, inhibition zone test, biofilm formation and degradation
- Determination of biochemical parameters: immunohistochemistry
- ELISA assays: e.g. IL1, IL6, IL8 assays
- DNA/RNA analysis: RT-PCR, endpoint PCR, qRT-PCR and digital PCR
- Protein analysis: SDS-Page, Western Blot, electrophoresis, EMSA, binding kinetics
- Microscopy: Incident/transmitted light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy
In addition, there is unlimited access to the analytical methods available in the institute.
