Functional particles

Core-shell particles are functional composite materials combining at least two different functions: those of the particle core and those of the particle surface or shell. We focus on the design of the surface, e.g. by binding biological molecules, and on additional functions of the core, e.g. by loading with dyes or magnetic properties.

A major challenge in medicine is the selective transport of active agents to the damaged tissue or organ. Cell membranes are the most important barriers for a targeted drug delivery. Another problem is the degradation or derivatization in the body. A way to circumvent these disadvantages is the manufacturing of particulate active ingredient formulations, where the active agent is bound into a polymeric shell or matrix.

Among the established printing techniques, inkjet printing offers a highly attractive technique to generate two- or even three-dimensional structures that have been designed before at the computer. At the Fraunhofer IGB ink formulations for processing a variety of functional components such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, proteins and conductive materials are developed.