Press

Safe diagnoses of diseases, identification of multidrug-resistant germs, detection of beginning epidemics at an early stage or detection of toxins and pathogens in drinking water and food in even the lowest concentrations – these are major challenges and goals of current research programs. One of the most promising tools for these tasks are novel and considerably improved biosensors. The project “BioSensing” of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Silicate Research ISC and for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME and the Leiden University, Institute of Physics aims to overcome the limits of modern biosensors with the help of quantum technology.

Wind power is an important element to achieve sustainability in energy supply. Within the EU project "Riblet4Wind", a team of seven project partners faced the challenge of making the aerodynamics of wind turbines more efficient. One approach was to reduce air resistance. In aircraft construction, it was shown that the functional coating developed at Fraunhofer IFAM with microscopically small grooves – called riblet paint – reduces air resistance and saves fuel. The scientists took advantage of this know-how and adapted the technology to the rotor blades of a wind turbine. The tests under real conditions yielded promising results.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI, is setting standards: Through the addition of a newly opened hall with ten specially developed large test chambers, the institute has significantly expanded its capacities for the emission testing of complete products, thereby becoming a worldwide unique service location. In these test chambers, the scientists measure the emissions from objects such as furniture or electronic devices as well as from building materials in indoor areas.

Current developments in the field of industry 4.0 such as the digitalization of production plants and processes provide massive new challenges to nondestructive inspection technologies. Fraunhofer IZFP scientists in Saarbrücken have developed a novel eddy current platform, which is able to operate currently necessary interfaces. As a consequence, the platform can easily be integrated into digitization concepts. As part of a multimodal electronics series, experts from this Saarland research institute present the inspECT-PRO eddy current platform at the 33rd Control in Stuttgart from 7 to 10 May 2019 (hall 6, booth 6301).

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP are working with Israeli and German partners to develop long-wearing contact lenses that can release medicine. The active ingredient is encapsulated in liposomes and bound to the inside of the contact lenses. This enables it to remain in the eye for longer. Sugars are added to make the contact lens particularly comfortable to wear.

Ceramic batteries and membranes for filtration and gas separation – these are the research topics that will be the focus of the future "Pilot Center for Powder Synthesis and Extrusion". The construction phase at the Hermsdorf site of the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS has now begun with a ground-breaking ceremony. The pilot center, which is funded by the federal government and the Free State of Thuringia with 5 million euros, is tailored to the requirements of complex research topics and an important link for future technology transfer. The build will be completed in June 2020.

ESJET printing is a new printing technology for large-scale, solution-processed displays of the future. It enables higher resolution and drop on demand printing. The Potsdam Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, together with its project partners imec and TNO/Holst Centre, has developed this printing technology for solution-processed displays of the future.

On April 1, 2019, Dr. Thomas Weißgärber has taken over the provisional management of the Dresden branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM. He takes over the responsibility of Prof. Bernd Kieback, who has been head of the institute for many years and has now retired.

Cycling is healthy, keeps the body supple, exercises the joints and strengthens the back. A company that places great value on comfort is Ergon International GmbH, which manufactures ergonomic bicycle accessories. Handlebar grips play an important role in cycling comfort. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF are working with the Koblenz-based company on methods and tools for accelerating and digitalizing the development process for ergonomic bicycle grips.

Natural rubber from rubber trees is a raw material with a limited supply. Synthetically produced rubber, on the other hand, has not yet been able to match the abrasion behavior of the natural product, rendering it unsuitable for truck tires. But now, for the first time, a new type of synthetic rubber has been developed that achieves 30 to 50 percent less abrasion than natural rubber.