Cultivation and multimodal analysis of cells and biological material

We establish robust 2D monolayers and physiologically relevant 3D models (spheroids, organoids, Matrigel / scaffolds) for drug testing, mechanism research, and personalized approaches. Depending on the application, we utilize classic cell lines, primary cells, or your clinical material.

We utilize precise oxygen control (hypoxia / normoxia) to model pathophysiological conditions, stability testing of phenotypes, and investigation of O2-sensitive signaling pathways.

Classical flow cytometry is used for high-dimensional analysis of surface and intracellular markers. The Fraunhofer IZI has modern flow cytometers and sorters available. 

Deformability cytometry offers label-free measurement of mechanical cell parameters for real-time phenotyping. With this innovative technology, we can analyze, for example, immune cell activation, microclot analyses, and metabolic stress. We measure using the Naiad1.0 and AcCellerator devices.

GC-IMS-based detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is used as a sensitive, non-invasive biomarker for metabolic states. This can address various questions, such as immune cell activation, therapy response, and process controls in production processes. We utilize classical drift tube GC-IMS (STEP Pockau, G.A.S. Dortmund with optional concentration) and GC-FAIMS (Schumann Analytics or Owlstone).

The analysis of exhaled VOC profiles enables a translational link between in vitro models and clinical applications for diagnostics and therapy monitoring, including therapy side effects.