Members

The "Biomaterials and Implants at the Biological Interface" research group led by Prof. Dr. Frank Rupp in the "Medical Materials Science & Technology" section at the University Hospital of Tübingen is investigating physicochemical and biological surface and interface analytical aspects of biomaterials and implants. One research focus is on hydrophilic micro- and nanostructured dental implants in the area of bone-healing. A further focus is on the soft tissue contact of transgingival implant areas. Here we investigate innovative bactericidal implant surfaces and methods as well as possibilities of sensory detection of initial interactions between biomaterial and bacteria by means of acoustic sensor technology (QCM-D). In current projects we are investigating correlations between nanostructured titanium surfaces and the biological response. The aim is to optimize cell adhesion and proliferation in the presence of initial oral biofilm formers, e.g. gram-positive streptococci. The possibilities of antibacterial functionalization of nanostructured surfaces are investigated and clinically relevant co-culture models are developed. There are collaborations with the research groups Schreiber (QCM, ellipsometry) and Fleischer (nanostructuring, layer characterization). In an earlier collaboration with the Schäffer group, the oral first colonizer Streptococcus gordonii was investigated using AFM and thus missing mass effects on the QCM during its interaction with titanium surfaces were interpreted. 

Further information can be found on the group homepage of Frank Rupp