Functional materials and surfaces

School of Life Sciences

Investigation and optimisation of materials and surfaces for medical technology applications

Our researchers analyse and optimize materials and surfaces for medical applications. We characterise biomaterials for implants, surgical tools, and diagnostic devices.

We also carry out static and dynamic mechanical strength tests (tensile and compression, endurance, service life), as well as removal torque tests and damage analysis using electron microscopy.

For the development and characterization of new implant surfaces (e.g. antibacterial surfaces) we structure and functionalize surfaces down to the sub-µm scale. We develop bio-resorbable free-form implants made of Mg and three-dimensional NiTi lattice structures, which in future could be used as intelligent implants.

Our research group is part of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, a leading player in medtech.

Research focus areas

Development and testing

A wide range of characterisation and testing options are available for development and testing tasks:

Topographical analysis
Crystallographic analysis
Structural, metallographic microstructure analysis, including ion milling preparation
Hardness, roughness and coating thickness measurement
Tribological characterisation
Chemical analysis
µcomputed tomography examination
(Bio)mechanical analyses

Biomechanical strength tests

We carry out static and dynamic (bio)mechanical strength tests such as tensile and compression tests at various temperatures, load capacity, fatigue and service life tests. We can also perform bore-out/torque measurements and tests with complex, multi-multi-axial load sequences. State-of-the-art motion analyzers with video extensometers, digital image correlation, and 3D navigation systems are available for the detection of trajectories and deformations.

Implant surfaces

To develop and characterise new implant surfaces (e.g. antibacterial surfaces), we structure and functionalise surfaces down to the sub-µm scale. We develop bioresorbable free-form implants made of Mg and three-dimensional NiTi lattice structures, which could be used as smart implants in the future.

Projects

Palatal patch for laser tissue gum surgery

Suture-free approach for immediate wound stability, reduced scarring and pain, and improved clinical efficiency

Institute: Institute of Product and Production Engineering, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute for Pharma Technology and Biotechnology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, nanoLab

ZIRYT

Nanostructured dental implants made of zirconia

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

NanoPED

Nano-structured absorbable implants for paediatric neurosurgery

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

Real-time control of micro selective laser melting

Micro selective laser melting for miniature metallic devices

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices

Albucol

New biocompatible materials for tissue engineering of bone and cartilage replacements

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

Spirits

Smart printed interactive robots for interventional therapy and surgery

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices, Computer aided surgery, Minimally invasive systems

Biocompatible wear-resistant penetration seal (PS) coatings

Hard and thick ceramic coatings to protect titanium implants from wear

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

SwissHolo

Holographic identification of titanium implants

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

3D-printed biodegradable metallic Mg scaffolds

Producing 3D-magnesium structures by selective laser melting (SLM)

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices

Elbacoss

Electrochemical bactericidal Ca(OH)2 implant coating as precursor for an osseoinductive HA layer

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

3D-printed nickel-titanium structures that interact with bone tissue

Porous shape-memory scaffolds as mechanically active bone implants

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices

Titanium bone scaffolds

Filling bony defect sites with open-porous lattice structures

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces, Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices

(Bio)mechanical testing

Testing novel implant systems, surgical methods and minimally invasive treatments

Institute: Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Research field: Functional materials and surfaces

Publications

Contact

Prof. Dr. Michael de Wild

Team leader, Functional Materials and Surfaces

Phone: +41 61 228 56 49
E-Mail: michael.dewild@fhnw.ch

Team

Lydia Feller

Head of School Development at the FHNW School of Engineering and Environment, Head of materials testing internship at the FHNW School of Life Sciences