Services

The Centre of Competence provides cooperation and support during the developmental phase of new implants and offers in vitro and in vivo testing services for biomaterials and medical devices. Experienced scientists and state of the art equipment are at our disposal.

Biocompatibility Laboratory

As a service for companies and research partners a laboratory for biocompatibility assessment provides access to specific technologies for in vitro and in vivo testing of implants to ensure safety and efficacy.

A team with interdisciplinary competence gives advice on test strategies which meet the regulatory requirements. We evaluate the biocompatibility of medical devices by established methods and also develop new test methods for special requirements.

Animal Laboratory

For in vivo testing of cardiovascular and orthopaedic implants an animal laboratory which was already hived off and established as an independent business corporation in 2001 provides testing of medical devices in in vivo models (Medimplant Tierlabor GmbH, www.medimplant-hannover.de). About 1000 operations have been carried out until now.

The focal point of the first promotional phase was to set up an Animal Laboratory for larger animals with cardiovascular facilities and respective animal care. The Medimplant Animal Laboratory and Medical Technology GmbH (link) has been in business since June 2002 and was officially dedicated on November 6, 2002 by the Minister of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony. The business started work with a staff of six: one surgical nurse, one secretary, two stockmen and two part-time assistants. By May 2003 more than 300 operations had been performed on larger animals (sheep/pigs). The laboratory is not only used for projects of the Centre of Competence, but also takes on contract work.

The methodological, technological and personnel extension in the form of the Specific Biocompatibility Assessment unit is currently underway and will also carry on in the second funding period.

The unit will respond to long-term developments within the fields of therapeutic implants, in vitro and in vivo "tissue engineering" and active and degradable implants, and the resulting new demands of the producing and developing industries.

A Biocompatibility Laboratory will make specific technologies for in vitro and in vivo assessments of degradable passive and active implants accessible. An affiliation to the existing company, Medimplant GmbH, is scheduled by the end of the second promotional phase.

The goal is an independent methodological-technological service and development unit addressing specific questions within the field of therapeutic implants. We see such an independent unit as creating benefits and opportunities for industry, with the option of accelerating product development by way of research orders and contracts.