Biopolymer Processing
Biopolymers for technical and medical applications
The research group Biopolymer Processing is dedicated to the production and processing of natural and bio inspired polymer materials. The transfer from natural systems to technical applications requires both a deep understanding of the natural material and the technical expertise to adapt established methods and develop new processing techniques. The Biopolymer Processing group forms an interdisciplinary bridge between fundamental research and application, with a focus on material processing and shaping.
The application oriented research areas can be primarily divided into two categories:
- Biopolymers for technical applications including filters, packaging, textiles, and functional materials
- Biopolymers for medical applications including tissue reconstruction, wound dressings, suture materials, and controlled drug release
Within the group, various processing methods are adapted, combined, and applied:
- Fiber spinning methods including wet spinning electrospinning and microfluidic spinning
- 3D bioprinting
- Film casting
- Foam production
A key factor for the long term goal of industrial utilization of these materials is also the consideration of cost effectiveness. In the field of technical applications in particular, there is strong competition from inexpensive established synthetic polymers. The main challenge is to identify application areas in which biopolymers can prevail due to specific properties or to develop scalable processes for cost efficient production and processing. In medical applications, biomaterials are already regarded as a promising solution for many requirements. The research focus here is especially on the development of new methods for generating morphologically hierarchically structured materials for biomimetic use in the body.
Further information about the Chair of Biopolymer Processing can be found here.