TechMed BioEngineering facilities
TechMed BioEngineering facilities
Our BioEngineering Laboratories are equipped for cutting-edge experimental work in new biomaterials, biosensing, microscopy, applied stem cell technologies, injectable hydrogels, and artificial organ technologies. Our state-of-the-art facility spans over 1,800 m²: 650 m² of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 cell biology labs, 550 m² of chemical labs, and approximately 600 m² of physics labs. The synergy between the TechMed Centre's bioengineering and medical technology infrastructure, and MESA+ nanotechnology expertise including cleanroom facilities creates an ideal environment for pioneering research and development on medical technologies and biomedical products. Examples include bioartificial organs, lab-on-a-chip devices, point-of-care devices, tissue engineered implants et cetera.
Infrastructure and User Services
Our facility is open to internal and external partners from academia, research institutes, and companies, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that drives innovation and scientific breakthroughs. We offer six distinct units, each dedicated to advancing specific areas of bioengineering:
- BioImaging Centre: Equipped with advanced light microscopy tools and image analysis software.
- Biomaterials & Biomembranes: Provides equipment for interdisciplinary research on biological membranes and materials.
- Bioprinting: Offers capabilities for creating complex biological structures using advanced 3D bioprinters.
- Microfabrication: Supports precision dispensing, surface treatment, and micro-scale manufacturing.
- Read-out & Sensing: Enables real-time monitoring and analysis of biological systems.
- Tissue Culture Facility: Equipped with tools for advanced tissue culture techniques and cell analysis.
Examples/description of the type of research
The TechMed BioEngineering facilities enable both fundamental and applied research with one central mission: the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients.
This mission is pursued through the application of state-of-the-art technologies at the interface of chemistry, (stem)cell and molecular biology, biomaterials and membrane science, microfluidics, microengineering and nanotechnology. The domain also provides high-level education in the above fields and creates a stimulating environment for research valorization leading to the creation of products and companies.
Our research is multidisciplinary in nature and is applied in a broad range of applications. This spans from injectable hydrogels to battle osteoarthritis, to implantable bioartificial pancreas devices to help to treat type 1 diabetes and to organs-on-chips to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs and therapies. Our students, in the bachelor and master programs of Health Sciences, BioMedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, play an active role in pursuing our mission.
Partnerships are essential in our research. We collaborate with other domains of our university as well as with other academic institutions, hospitals and companies, in the Netherlands and abroad. This helps us to bundle knowledge and expertise, valorize research and ultimately to succeed in our mission: to improve healthcare through innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients.
How to access the infrastructure?
Access is arranged through one of the 6 units of which the infrastructure is comprised. After initial intake with a staff member, users obtain access to our facilities. Certain parts of the facility will operate under a service model, meaning our staff will execute and control the experiments when training of end users becomes too prohibitive for users to efficiently use the labs. Other parts of the facility will be opened up completely and allow users to operate independently.