With a comprehensive expansion of its research infrastructure, the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST is establishing a new platform for localized electrochemical surface processing. The combination of proven electroplating processes with innovative technologies such as…

RNA-based medicines and treatment methods open up a new dimension in modern medicine. Despite their potential, RNA-based therapies are faced with major challenges: The instability of RNA and its rapid degradation in the body, combined with the necessity of ultra-cold storage or encapsulation, mean t…

In pharmaceutical production, the interaction of particles with surfaces plays a decisive role. Whether these particles – either in the form of active ingredients or granules – adhere or are easily detached depends on the properties of the surfaces involved. Depending on the product and process, the…

Several companies and research institutions from Southeast Lower Saxony are pooling their expertise along the value chain of battery recycling in a joint consortium, thereby promoting the Circular Economy in Lower Saxony.

The recycling of batteries from the automotive industry as well as production w…

How must stacks of fuel cells (stacks) in vehicles be designed so that the materials used can be dismantled, recycled, or ideally even reused in automated processes at the end of the product's lifecycle? Four Fraunhofer Institutes are exploring this question within the Stack to Piece (Stack2P) conso…

Additive-manufacturing processes are characterized by the fact that the components are built up layer by layer using, for example, plastics. The adhesion of the individual layers thereby plays an important role, as it significantly influences the stability of the printed components. At the Fraunhofe…

Artificial hip joints, made-to-measure heart valves or precision-fit blood vessels: implants – particularly those based on scaffolds, i.e. 3D-printed framework structures – are playing an increasingly significant role in regenerative and personalized medicine. It is important for the scaffolds to be…

Whether in the production of food and medicines, in horticultural businesses, in hospitals, or in every private household - disinfection and the reduction of pollutants in water and on surfaces play an important role in many areas of application. The addition of chemicals should, however, be avoided…

Especially for chronic lung diseases such as asthma, many people use inhalers to keep their airways clear. However, a portion of the particles to be inhaled often remains in the device itself. Through an optimized ultra-fine coating of plastic surfaces in inhalers, Fraunhofer IST demonstrated that t…

A reduced risk of infection and, as a consequence, a decrease in new infections are goals that have become even more important during the Corona pandemic. One important factor thereby is the cleaning and disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces. In the “MobDi - Mobile Disinfection” project…