Technology Offerings

Injury results in release of cytoplasmic ATP, which is sensed by monocytes/macrophages via ATP receptor P2X7. This swiftly induces inflammasome activation, caspase-1-dependent cleavage and release of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18 and HMGB1. Excessive systemic IL-1ß release is the first stage of a reaction chain causing SIRS and high patient mortality.

IL-1ß is involved in host defense against infections. Pathogen-induced inflammasome activation, however, typically involve ATP-independent pathways. Hence, a-1-antitrypsin, SLPI, CRP, and DPPC inhibit injury induced inflammation but do not inhibit clearance of pathogens.

Scope of application: SIRS, Major surgery, Trauma, Extracorporeal circulation (e.g. cardiopulmonary bypass, ECMO), Chronic inflammation, Lung injury

SIRS-related multi organ dysfunction (MODS) and acute lung injury (ALI) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The proposed remedies have the potential to become affordable life-saving medicaments for numerous indications.

Precise knowledge about the thermo-dynamical processes is crucial in combustion engineering and process engineering. With this new method it is possible to calculate the caloric quantities of state accurately, resulting in precise knowledge of process efficiency. A better assessment of the efficiency of combustion processes, resulting in a better prediction of the performance of turbines or engines.

Focal adhesions are cell junctions that act as mechanical linkages between the intracellular actin cytoskeleton of a live cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). They have a wide functional scope. In this context Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) plays a pivotal role. FAK is often overexpressed in tumor cells and is partly responsible for the high tissue invasiveness of the infected cells. Now “small molecules” have been developed at the University of Konstanz, Germany, that interfere with the localization and thus with FAK functioning. Therefore, these molecules can be deployed in cancer treatment as well as in the prevention and treatment of restenosis via drug-eluting stents.
The novel FAK inhibitors are highly effective, cell-penetrating, easy to sterilize and can be produced through chemically defined synthesis.

Nowadays, biological wastewater treatment can efficiently remove carbon sources. The challenge however lies in the purification and elimination of nitrogen sources within a compact plant design. HAWK-Scientists developed an on-side and energy-efficient biological purification system for a decentralized wastewater treatment.

Scientists at the Universities of Stuttgart and Constance have developed a technology which should significantly improve ingrowth of implants into the surrounding tissue and at the same time ensure long-term stability.
A new type of implant coating created of a non-water-soluble, functionalized extracellular matrix (FECM) is achieved by means of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering. The coating improves the cell-material interaction at the interface between tissue and biomaterials (e. g. titanium). Since the patient's own cells can be used to produce the FECM, no immunogenicity of the implant coating is to be feared.

The present invention provides a novel container which allows the secure and stable storage of DBS-cards. The device comprises an air-tight box which can be used to store DBS-cards under vacuum or an inert gas such as nitrogen. Additionally, a drying agent in the container prevents accumulation of humidity, thereby ensuring the safe storage of samples at room temperature or in the freezer. The storage of DBS-cards without oxygen and humidity enables to prevent any form of sample deterioration over a longer time period. Furthermore, the container is equipped with a proof of originality. The container can only be opened by breaking the proof of originality, thereby making any tampering attempt visible immediately. Thus, this novel container enables the reliable analysis of DBS-cards.