Cryo & Stem Cell Technology

Pluripotency & Regeneration

• research and development of new cell-based screening methods with the focus on miniaturization, parallelization and automation
• development of innovative concepts for the automation of cell culture processes in the field of stem cell research

• research on the control of pluripotency in an adult body using the unique features of the free-living flatworm S. mediterranea

• investigation of high-density expansion of hiPSCs cultured in suspension on alginate microcarriers

• integration of complete cell culture processes in automation technologies using robotics and microfluidics:
  - automated reprogramming
  - automated hiPSC differentiation

• development of standardized QC for the rapid and consistent evaluation of the pluripotential of hiPSCs

• development of innovative analytical methods for the investigation of three-dimensional cell constructs  

• cell and tissue engineering of medically relevant systems using biocompatible hydrogels

• immunoisolation of medically relevant cell systems using biocompatible hydrogels

• development of an innovative bag-based culture system for the differentiation and cryopreservation of pluripotent stem cells

Biomedical Optics

• confocal and non-linear laser scanning microscopy for tasks in biomedical and materials science (fluorescence and Raman, multiphoton excitation, second harmonic imaging)
• optical spectroscopy (UV/Vis/Nir absorption, fluorescence, Raman)
• laser scanning cryomicroscopy and cryogenic calorimetry
• laser-based 3D micro and nanostructuring of polymers, metal films, silicon and biological material
• fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), spectrally resolved fluorescence lifetime imaging (S-FLIM)
• concepts for functional optical sensors and imaging 
• design of miniaturized scanners and optics 
• conception and execution of optical-microscopic studies on cells, cell assemblies, tissues and non-biological samples (confocal, nonlinear, transmission, fluorescence) for biology, pharmacy and materials science
• conception and execution of optical-spectroscopic studies (UV/Vis/NIR)
• application and evaluation of molecular probes for imaging of physical, chemical and biological environmental parameters in biomedicine and non-biological application fields
• application and evaluation of optical biomarkers (contrast agents, molecular imaging) for diagnostics, monitoring and research
• development and adaptation of optical sensor concepts and architectures
• development and adaptation of imaging optical contrast processes for biomedicine and materials science
• 3D spatially resolved photochemistry: photopolymerization, uncaging etc.
• ablative laser micro processing
• fluorescence-spectroscopic measurements (200-900 nm)
• absorption-spectroscopic measurements (200-3300 nm)
• laser scanning microscopy: confocal reflexion and fluorescence, multiphoton microscopy
• SHG microscopy for specific and marker-free representation of collagen, starch, myosine, etc.
• wide field microscopy
• development of imaging methods for long-term time-lapse monitoring of biological systems using automated image analysis
• characterization of biopolymers (e. g. alginate) for cell culture of therapeutically relevant cell systems
• development of stimuli-responsive surfaces for cell culture of therapeutically relevant cell systems

Automation Processes

• automated biobanking of biological material, micro-organisms and clinical samples under BSL 2 according to the genetic engineering act, infection protection act, biological agents regulations (DIN EN ISO9001:2015)
  
• optimization and validation of automated cell culture processes
  • cultivation of cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells
  • production von HIV-1 pseudo-type viruses (“Good Clinical Laboratory Practice” (GCLP) - conform)
  • reprogramming und differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells
• automation of cell-based assays and processes
  • cytotoxicity assays, neutralization assays, ELISpot, embryonic stem cell assay, aliquoting, cryopreservation
  • optimization and validation up to certification under a quality management system

Cryobiotechnology

• Research and development of novel cell culture and screening systems with focus on miniaturization, parallelization and automation
• development of new concepts for automation of cell culture procedures in the area of stem cell research
• integration of complete cell culture processes of automation technologies using robotics and microfluidics
  • automated toxicity testing
  • automated hiPSC differentiation
• development of novel analysis methods for the investigation of three-dimensional cell constructs under miniaturized conditions
• research and development in the area of cryobiology and biotechnology
  • development of novel sterile vitrification protocols
  • development of new vitrification substrates
  • development of chemical defined high performance cryo media
• cell and tissue-specific optimization of cryopreservation processes
  • vitrification of hiPSCs on alginate microcarriers
  • cryopreservation of multicellular constructs
  • cryopreservation of adherent cell systems
• development of optimized disposables for cultivation, manipulation and live storage of viable cells and tissue at cryogenic temperatures