Sustainability and waste from medical consumables
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Image: Medical professional places a dressing on the leg of a lying person

Wound dressings: Thermoresponsive polymer for painless removal

08.10.2024

A team of researchers led by Prof. Rolf Mülhaupt and Prof. Thorsten Steinberg at the University of Freiburg has developed a thermoresponsive polymer that enables wound dressings to be removed painlessly and without leaving any residue.
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Image: A spoon piled with bits of plastic. The spoon lies on a salmon-colored background; Copyright: xalien/Shutterstock

xalien/Shutterstock

Tiny plastic particles also find their way into the brain

28.04.2023

With the help of computer models, researchers have discovered that a specific surface structure (biomolecular corona) is crucial for the passage of plastic particles into the brain.
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Image: Dr Ioana Slabu and Benedict Bauer with the nanomodified stent fot he camera; Copyright: Peter Winandy

Peter Winandy

Novel technology for hollow organ tumour therapy

10.04.2023

Ioana Slabu from the Institute of Applied Medical Technology and Benedict Bauer from the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University have developed a novel technology for the therapy of hollow organ tumours, which was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Award.
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Together for the newest technology – Highlight tour at the Fraunhofer joint stand

15.11.2022

Several Fraunhofer institutes present their latest technology in the field of medical technology and health at MEDICA 2022. Automation processes, polymers and digital networking are just some of the topics to be found at the stand. We talked to some of the institutes during our highlight tour.
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Image: Several medical masks as well as other disposable waste products in a trash can; Copyright: PantherMedia / Fotofabrika

PantherMedia / Fotofabrika

How to reduce plastic waste: innovative process promises recycling of single-use face masks

01.03.2022

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the use of disposable face masks. Discarding them has become an environmental challenge on a global scale. This has prompted the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT to develop an innovative recycling process for used plastics.
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Image: A blue surgical glove is hanging over the edge of a trash can; Copyright: PantherMedia/srikijt

PantherMedia/srikijt

Sustainability and medical consumables – where to put the waste?

01.03.2022

Medicine produces a lot of waste through medical consumables like protective gear or laboratory equipment. All of this gets destroyed due to hygiene reasons after use, but it is nonetheless true: Our resources are not unlimited and medical waste is a burden for the environment, too.
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Image: A skull of a pig whose bones have been set using a white mass; Copyright: Daniel Hutchinson

Daniel Hutchinson

Fracture setting method could replace metal plates

02.07.2021

A new biocompatible polymer-based composite material could soon replace metal plates in treating difficult and unstable fractures. Developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the newly-developed material is as strong as dental composites yet non-toxic.
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Image: a 3D-printed orthosis designed by Luxinergy and kerkoc; Copyright: Luxinery/kerkoc

Luxinergy/kerkoc

Customized and freshly printed: 3D printing in orthopedics

01.07.2021

Creating custom-made medical devices to target individual patient needs: that is the core function and primary objective of orthopedics. Using 3D printers for this will make sense in the future. Luxinergy is an innovative Austrian technology company that specializes in the development of biocompatible resins and large-format 3D printers.
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Image: Illustrations of various 3D-printed prostheses, implants and organs; Copyright: PantherMedia/annyart

Printed life – possibilities and limits of bioprinting

01.12.2020

Implants, prostheses and various other components made of plastic, metal or ceramics are already being produced by additive manufacturing. But skin, blood vessels or entire organs from the printer – is that possible? For years now, intensive research has been underway into the production of biologically functional tissue using printing processes. Some things are already possible with bioprinting.
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Image: Surgical utensils lying on a table in the OR; Copyright: WavebreakmediaMicro - stock.adobe.com

Sustainable Nonwoven Solutions Improve Hygiene

02.11.2020

Whether it is hospitals or care homes - the right hygiene tools are crucial for process efficiency. These products can be composed of a wide variety of materials. NORAFIN offers a sustainable solution with products made from nonwoven fabric.
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Image: patient with pain in fingers; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Milkos

APRICOT-project: implant "help(s) patients heal themselves"

01.01.2020

Today, people tend to live longer, while an increasing number of patients suffer from osteoarthritis. Even younger generations are now at a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis due to the frequent use of mobile devices. The EU research project APRICOT aims to develop a novel type of implant for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands – helping patients heal themselves.
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Image: Athlete with knee pain; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Wavebreakmedia Itd

Endoprostheses: between possibility and reality

01.01.2020

When natural joints lose their ability to function, they can be completely or partially replaced by artificial joints, also called endoprostheses. Endoprostheses must be of a certain quality, as they should remain in the body as long as possible. In addition to some risks, endoprostheses can also contribute to a mobile and carefree life for young and old.
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