Optimization of cell cultures for implant assessment
The development of novel biomaterials is challenging. Not only local interactions at the implantation site but also systemic effects must be considered. Predictive systems based on cell cultures are not yet available.
We are working on such systems and currently focus on monocytes/macrophages as one important cell type of the innate immune response.
The immune system comes into action shortly after implantation of a biomaterial. We aim to minimize the foreign body reaction and to reduce fibrosis around implants, by tuning macrophage reactions appropriately.