In the medical technologies research theme at the Furtwangen University Institute for Applied Research, interdisciplinary research in medicine and engineering is carried out in the following areas:
- Ventilation systems of the future
- Molecular diagnostics and biomarkers
- Data science for the life sciences
- Microbiology and hygiene
- Tumour biology
- Exercise medicine and und physiological stress diagnostics
Research work is carried out in close cooperation with companies in the medical engineering sector and with hospitals worldwide. It is also integrated into the teaching of students in the Medical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering programmes, as well as the Precision Medicine Diagnostics programme at Furtwangen University through the assignment and supervision of thesis, course project work and doctoral work.
At the bottom of the page you will find an overview of the current Internal link opens in the same window:Research projects, the Internal link opens in the same window:Research institutes and the Internal link opens in the same window:Contact persons in for each research focus.
Innovative Ventilation Systems
Innovative ventilation systems allow doctors to predict patients' reactions to different therapy parameters. Furthermore, on request, the systems can indicate optimal ventilation settings based on a patient's pathology. Mathematic models enable the precise calculation of a patient's reactions using a vast variety of simulations that far exceed the replication of the mechanics of the human respiratory system. For more information, please visit our website.
Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers
The focus of this area of research is the identification and development of biomarkers in personalized and predictive medicine, particularly for applications in molecular diagnostics, therapy control and therapy optimization. This includes potential markers of all types of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites) as well as aspects of pathobiochemistry and the systemic biology (data integration) with emphasis on (mi)RNA and metabolites. Methods employed include micro-arrays, nucleic acid sequencing and metabolomics (mass spectrometry).
Design, modification and principles of new analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nano-particles are a further area of focus.
In the area of lipid-carried cellular signal transmission for pathomechanisms, sphingolipid-carried mechanisms are also examined, using for example synthesis and the application of bioactive model compounds.
Current projects
Data Science for the Life Sciences
Nowadays statistical evaluation methods play a central role in the life sciences. The main reason for this is the technological advances in high-throughput biochemical analysis of intracellular processes, such as RNA/DNA Microarrays or Next Generation Sequencing which have revolutionized biological research and are the foundation for innovation in clinical medicine and industry. However, utilizing these data to improve our understanding of the living world and to develop useful applications in biotechnology and medicine remain separate and challenging propositions. This type of analysis results in huge amounts of raw data.
Since the 1990s, many hospitals have been collecting patient data in patient data management systems (PDMS). All patient-specific information on diagnosis and therapy is recorded and displayed and can be accessed centrally by the relevant staff (physicians, nursing staff). This is important not only for clinical staff, but also for hospital administrators for planning and cost calculation. The enormous amounts of data that can now be found in the databases can only be adequately evaluated and used in this way by the hospitals with the help of modern statistical methods.
Further information on the website: External link opens in a new window:www.life-data-science.org
Current projects:
Microbiology and Hygiene
Microbiology is the science and study of micro-organisms, organisms which are invisible to the naked eye such as bacteria and fungii. Micro-organisms can be found in huge numbers almost everywhere. For human beings they can be deadly pathogens or vital symbionts. The following are currently the main research topics of the Microbiology and Hygiene AG at HFU:
- symbiotic and pathogenic human microbe interaction, particularly in the area of digestive and skin microbiology
- hygiene research in the workplace, the household and in body hygiene
The research projects focus on the isolation and identification of micro-organisms from many different sample types, the evaluation of the findings with respect to their importance for human health, and the development of measures for targeted manipulation of microbiota in the samples examined.
The work group is also working with HFU biotechnological projects on the cultural and molecular-biological characterisation of microbe communities in fermentation plants.
Current projects
- immENS
- Internal link opens in the same window:WMP
- Bilateral R&D industrial cooperation in the area of "Microbiology and Hygiene"
Tumour Biology
The development, growth and metastasis of tumours is controlled by complex interactions within the body. To examine the exact process, in vitro tissue models are used. The use of such models allows defined growth conditions to be simulated and individual processes in tumour growth to be researched. The 3-dimensional tissue models create conditions which are as realistic as possible.
Research focuses on the development of 3-D tumour tissue models and microfluid models to examine tumour-induced new building of cells and cell-related tumour processes.
Current projects
Exercise Medicine and Physiological Stress Diagnostics
This research area looks at the health-supporting effect of physical activity and the development and optimisation of measurement methods to record and document the resulting physical adaptation processes. The target group of the scientific developments are healthy people and patients, e.g. for secondary prevention or rehabilitation through movement therapy. A further focus is the software-supported, algorithmic evaluation and analysis of the physical ability in all secondary aspects. Focus of the research here includes the development and examination of the appropriate information and motivation systems.