Research Expertise

We have an extensive network of scientific institutions and universities. This collaboration gives us access to expert knowledge and ensures that our projects are practice-oriented. Our goal is to develop methods for producing artificial tissues that can be used in clinical settings.

Biofabrication & Engineering

Hochschule München

Bioprinting and Material Development:

Extrusion-based 3D printing processes and biomolding serve as key manufacturing methods for producing the tissue constructs and test specimens that will be examined in further research. Both methods enable the reproducible creation of defined architectures and anatomically relevant geometries with controlled porosity and dimensional stability. Through the targeted variation of process parameters, matrix stiffness, and bioactivity, constructs for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal applications can be custom-manufactured. In addition to established biomaterials, collagen hydrogels, among other materials, are produced in-house and formulated for specific applications. Biofabrication thus provides the methodological platform upon which mechanical characterization, migration analysis, and tissue maturation are based.

Biofabrication & Engineering

Analysis & Testing

Mechanical Characterization - AFM and Microindentation:

Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we quantify the nanomechanical properties of cartilage and vascular tissue at both, the single-cell level and within intact tissue assemblies. In addition, macroscopic indentation and compression testing systems enable the measurement of mechanical properties at the tissue level. The combination of both scales—from single-cell mechanics to macroscopic tissue response—enables a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of native as well as in vitro-generated constructs. The correlation of these parameters with histological and biochemical analyses provides a complete picture of the structural and functional quality of the tissue. Thus, multiscale mechanical characterization provides essential evaluation criteria for the development of functional cartilage and vascular constructs in tissue engineering.

Analysis & Testing

Laboratory equipment

01 Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

The 3D printing area enables the production of custom components, bioprinting structures, and the printing of cell-loaded hydrogels

  • mSLAb Custom Modification
  • Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
  • Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
  • CellInk Bio X6

02 LIFT Setup

A collaboratively developed and shared setup with the Laser Center at Munich University of Applied Sciences

  • Experimental setup/platform for laser-based cell transfer (single cells, spheroids)

03 Basic Cell Biology Equipment

The cell biology infrastructure enables the sterile cultivation, manipulation, and long-term observation of cells. It forms the basis for all work involving primary cells, cell lines, and 3D models.

  • Safety cabinets
  • Incubators
  • Autoclaves
  • Nucleofector electroporator

04 Laboratory equipment for cell and molecular biology analysis

A wide range of instruments is available for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, enabling quantitative and qualitative assessments as well as evaluations of cell viability.

  • Centrifuges
  • Tecan multiwell plate reader
  • Gel electrophoresis chambers and documentation
  • LightCycler 480 qPCR system (Roche)
  • Leica CM 1950 cryostat

05 Microscopy & Imaging

The microscopy division covers high-resolution imaging of live and fixed samples—from confocal fluorescence to nanoscale force measurement.

  • Leica Stellaris 8 (CLSM) + Bruker AFM Nanowizard 4
  • Zeiss Observer Z1 (epifluorescence) + Apotome + incubation for time-lapse
  • Stereomicroscope M 165 C (Leica)

06 Mechanical Characterization

We precisely analyze material properties, cell mechanics, and tissue behavior.

  • Mach 1 Micro Universal Testing Machine (Biomomentum)
  • Leica Confocal Microscope + Bruker AFM Nanowizard 4 (XP)
  • JPK Nanowizard 1 AFM
  • Asylum MFP 3D

07 Custom-made bioreactors

In-house developments:

  • Perfusion system for the cultivation and monitoring of artificial vascular structures
  • Perfusion microbioreactor for the cultivation of bone/cartilage constructs

08 Biomaterial Manufacturing

  • VaCo2 freeze dryer (Zirbus)
  • Plasma cleaner
  • Spin coater

09 Conventional 3D Printing

  • Form 3B (Formlabs)
  • Form 2 (Formlabs)
  • Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
  • Bambu Lab P1S
  • Ultimaker 3

10 Equipment in Other Laboratories

In addition, the laboratories participating in CANTER offer a range of other methods and equipment, including a wide spectrum of molecular and cell biology techniques, as well as additional 3D printers: