CSF Biomaterials (Kemkemer)
The rapid progress in bio-related material sciences requires a unique combination of approaches from different disciplines among which modern cell biology is certainly an integral part. In order to efficiently advance the institute’s research interests in bio-related material science the recently founded ZWE Biomaterials facilitates access to important techniques and expertise in and modern light microscopy.
The investigation of basic cellular processes and genetic mechanisms of cells in contact with materials requires the use of cell culture techniques and various analytical tools. The Central Scientific Facility provides:
- A large variety of cell lines and primary cells
- Expertise and equipment to handle these cells and to perform assays to measure cell responses such as cell proliferation, cell viability, apoptosis, or metabolism
- Essential tools to determine cell-signaling processes on the protein level (e.g. by immunstaining techniques or gel electrophoresis)
- Quantitative real-time PCR.
In addition to the ability to isolate and identify biologically active small molecules the examination of the complex interdependence of materials and biological systems requires sophisticated methods of light microscopy. The ZWE has several fully equipped systems suited for live cell imaging or for sophisticated methods such as FRET microscopy. We also offer our expertise for automated image analysis to derive quantitative data from microscopy images.
