Projects

Understanding and controlling the interface of an implant is of fundamental importance for many medical devices. The aim of the project is to develop a technique with which one can tailor the surface of an implant and thus its interaction with the biological surrounding. The technique is based on a so-called plasma jet, an electrically activated gas flow. In contrast to low-pressure plasma techniques, the plasma jet is run at atmospheric pressure and does not require any reaction chamber. Using this method, a nanocomposite is produced, which can contain both silver as well as biomolecules, with a particular attention to proteins. In the course of the project know-how shall be fostered in the deposition method, and in the long run, in the field of proteins, their functions as well as their analysis. Proteins are generally the first components that come in contact with a foreign body and dictate in many ways the interfacial reactions taking place. This technique shall enable the production of custom-made model surfaces to explore the territory of the foreign body reaction occurring at implant surfaces.