NMI NatuRal aNd MedIcal scIeNces INstItute at the uNIveRsIty of tübINgeN

Achieving results >>

NMI 2014

the NMI operates at the interface between life sciences and materials science, serving not only the pharmaceutical, bio-technology and medical industries but also the automotive, mechanical engineering and tool manufacturing sectors.the NMI is a highly-renowned incubator for spin-off companies.

NMI 2014 1

dear clients, partners, supporters and friends of the NMI,

We are pleased to report on our good performance during the last few years.

the past 10 years were marked by dynamic development and we are now determined to implement a series of measures to maintain our market position.

thanks to funding from the eu and the state, we were able to greatly extend our laboratory and office space to 6,200 m2 and enlarge our range of state-of-the-art equipment.

by developing working teams for micro-medicine, surface technology and adhesive bonding, we have significantly expanded our technology portfolio in the areas of materials and production technologies.

to consolidate the NMI’s commitment to science and academic teaching over the long term, we have remodelled our collaboration with the university of tübingen. to this end, an interdisciplinary professorship for Pharmaceutical biotechnology was set up, which has sparked many new ideas.

In addition, we have considerably strengthened our research cooperation with the universities of applied sciences in albstadt-sigmaringen, Reutlingen and furtwangen by encouraging professors to conduct research at and with the NMI, to great mutual benefit.

finally, by intensifying our partnership with the institutes participating in the Innovation alliance of baden-Württemberg (innbW), we were able to create synergies and demonstrate to policymakers our role as a leading transfer institution in our federal state.

these measures will enable us to uphold our promise to you now and in the future: we achieve results.

yours truly,

Prof. dr. hugo hämmerle managing director

1,8 1,8 2,0

5,4 6,0 6,1

4,6 3,84,4

1,61,0

0,6

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 € M/year

special funds

Revenues from industry

Research grants from public sector

funding from state of baden- Württemberg

2,0

6,7

4,3

1,4

2,0

7,5

4,4

0,414

12

10

8

6

4

2

NMI 20142

>> facts and figures

figures from 2009 — 2013

Total staff by December 31, 2013(NMI and NMI TT GmbH)

197 employees, including 120 fte (full-time equivalent)

71 scientists and engineers 12 visiting researchers and visiting professors 22 technicians 25 Phd students 13 undergraduates, bachelor and Master students 54 further staff

stable turnoverour total revenue in 2013 amounted to euR 14.3 million, of which euR 7.5 million stem from government contracts. Major projects involving international partners also played an important role. our revenue from the industrial sector continued to be stable at approximately euR 4.4 million, in the past few years.

small and medium-sized businesses in southern germany are particularly important to us: they generated about 50% of the industrial sector revenues we obtained - an impressive figure!

excellent ideasIn the last three years, our employees received 6 awards for excellence in innovation and business strategies.

comprehensive quality managementthe NMI’s quality concept is based on the international integrated quality management system dIN eN Iso/Iec 17025 and also adheres to the require-ments of the Iso 9001 (version 2008) certification standards.

you can find projects under www.nmi.de/projects

you can find publications, high-lights, workshops and events under www.nmi.de/en/topics

you can find our patents under www.depatisnet.de/english

accredited according eN Iso/Iec 17025daP-Pl-4320.00

by source of revenues

NMI 2014 3

>> structural organization

Pharmaservices

Prof. dr. e. guentherdr. Michael Pawlak

Medical device testing

dr. u. Metzger

Microdevices

dr. a. stett

scientific services for the pharmaceutical industry

testing services for medical devices and biomaterials

Production of micro- systems and nanoprobes

NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingenfoundation under the civil codechairman of the board of trustees: Mdgt g. leßnerkraus

President and managing director: Prof. dr. h. hämmerledeputy managing directors: dr. t. Joos, dr. a. stett

biochemistry and protein profiling

dr. t. Joos

Molecular biology

Prof. dr. h. volkmer

Material engineering and analytics

dipl.-Phys. W. fr. dreher

Physical engineering and biophysics

dr. a. stett

bioorganic chemistry and analytics

Prof. dr. R. Krastev

cell biology

Prof. dr. e. guenther

Microsystems and nanotechnology

dr. c.J. burkhardt

electrophysio logy

Prof. dr. e. guenther

Molecular neurobiology

Prof. h. volkmer

biochemistry

dr. t. Joos

biomaterials

Prof. dr. R. Krastev

Interface and micro- structure analytics

dipl.-Phys. W. fr. dreher

bioMeMs and sensors

dr. M. stelzle

Regenerative medicine I

Prof. dr. b. schlosshauer

tumor biology

dr. c. schmees

Protein profiling, assay development

dr. M. Pawlak, dr. M. templin

Pharmazeutical biotechnology

Prof. dr. u. Rothbauer

bioanalytics

dr. a. Zeck,Prof. dr. d. stoll

bonding and test engineering

dr.-Ing. a. Wagner

Micromedical and surface technology

Prof. dr. v. bucher

Regenerative medicine II

dr. K. benz

target-expression systems

dr. f. Weise

Research group neurochip

dr. g. Zeck

NMI technologie transfer gmbh

Managing director: Prof. dr. h. hämmerle

Protein analytics

dr. o. Poetz

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

NMI 20144

>> Institute and foundation

the NMI is an application-oriented research institute. It was founded in 1985 as a non-profit public law foundation. the president of the foundation is also the director of the NMI and the managing director of the NMI tt gmbh, in joint capacity. a board of trustees acts as a supervisory body, whose high-profile members include politicians and representatives from the industrial sector, thus undersco-ring the important role of the political and commercial spheres.

foundationPresident: Prof. dr. hugo hämmerle, NMI, Reutlingen vice-Presidents: Prof. dr. Matthias schwab, dr. Margarete fischer-bosch Institute for clinical Pharmacology, stuttgart (5)

dipl.-Kaufm. Reinhard Rubow, Retina Implant ag, Reutlingen (13)

board of trusteeschairman of the board of trustees: günther leßnerkraus, section head of the baden- Württemberg Ministry of finance and economics, stuttgart (11)

vice-chairmen of the board of trustees: Prof. dr. eberhart Zrenner, university of tübingen (1) dr. Wolfgang epp, chamber of commerce and Industry Reutlingen (12)

Prof. dr. Michael auer, steinbeis stiftung für Wirtschaftsförderung, stuttgart (4) dr. georg bischopink, Robert bosch limited, stuttgart barbara bosch, lord Mayor of the city of Reutlingen represented by alexander Kreher, financial Mayor of the city of Reutlingen, (6)

Prof. dr. hendrik brumme, Reutlingen university dr. adrian carter, boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim (3) Prof. dr. bernd engler, President, university of tübingen represented by Prof. dr. herbert Müther, vice-President for Research (8) dr. gerd eßwein, freudenberg New technologies se & co. Kg, Weinheim (9) Prof. dr. Peter gumbsch, fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), freiburg (10) dr. hans-dieter Pohlenz, bayer Pharma ag, berlin (7) Prof. dr. hans-Peter Rodemann, university of tübingen dr. harald stallforth, aesculap ag, tuttlingen (14) Prof. dr. thilo stehle, university of tübingen (2) dr. Markus Weber, carl Zeiss ag, oberkochen

NMI 2014 5

NMI: start-up made easythe NMI serves as an ideal incubator for new companies: spin-offs are actively supported, premises with high-tech equipment are made available and they can rely on the expert skills of our employees.

Many new high-tech jobs have been created in the NMI environment in recent years.

since 1996, a total of 12 spin-off companies have been established at the NMI or through support from the NMI. each of the companies were launched as a direct result of the research and development done at the NMI.

for these budding companies, the NMI and its laboratories served as an incubator. Most of these companies now have offices in neighbouring buildings and have become our collaborators.

>> Knowledge and technology transfer

NMI tt gmbh — subsidiary of the NMIthe NMI technology transfer gmbh (NMI tt) completes the value chain that begins at the research institute (NMI).

through the NMI tt, we can offer integrated products and services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medi-cal device industry. We provide our clients a broad range of services, from research to internationally-valid testing for the regulatory approval of medical products, pharma–ceutical drugs and advanced therapy medicinal products (atMP):

� scientific services for medical products and biomaterials,

� tests of medical products and biomaterials,

� Production of microsystems and nanoprobes at the highest level of quality.

We have certified testing facilities that comply with glP and gMP regulations. our testing is done with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art equipment.

Nanomaterials Nanopatterning Nanoanalytics

Nanotechnology

Microsystems technologyMicrofluidicsInterconnects

Microtechnology

coating technologybonding and adhesion surface technologyatomic and molecule spectroscopy

Material engineering

biomaterialstissue engineeringactive implantstesting for approval process

Biomedical technology

biochemistryMolecular biologycell biologyelectrophysiology

Biotechnology

NMI 20146

NMI competences

Pharma and biotechnology

R & d projects and services for pre-clinical drug development and clinical research

Biomedical technology

testing techniques and future tech-nologies for medical devices and for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Surface and material technology

Micro, nano and surface technologies for the development, production and analysis of industrial goods

NMI 2014 7

NMI business areas >>

NMI 20148

>> Pharma and biotechnology

the pharmaceutical industry is characterised by dynamic developments and significant advances in biomedical research. New technologies, such as high throughput sequencing, molecular genetics, biosensors and high- resolution visualisation techniques are enabling new therapeutic approaches, thus opening attractive areas for further research and development.

Individualised or personalised medicine, entailing the designing of tailored drug therapies, will make more effective treatment possible in the future, and, at the same time, ensure the highest standards of patient safety.

Innovative test systems and technologies

our close scientific affiliations and first-class facilities enable us to accomplish transfer services, from basic research to industry and hospitals, with flexibility and competence.

biomarkers and multiplex immunoassaysQuantitative detection of dozens of biomarkers from a minute amount of sample is a challenge that can be met with modern technologies. analytes can be quantitatively measured by immunoassay even at very low concentrations.

before such assays can be implemented in screening programms, they must be appropriately validated.

Validated immunoassays for biomarker

the NMI develops, validates and uses immunoassays for the quantitative detection of biomarkers in biological samples.

validation of the immunoassays developed by us is carried out in compliance with the fda bioanalytical guidelines. We can thus verify a wide range of biomarkers in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine) when testing the efficacy and possible off-target effects of new drugs. the qualification of safety biomarkers for the detection of drug-induced organ injury is another strong focus at the NMI.

Proteomics and bioanalyticsMass spectrometry is an excellently suited mean to analyse proteins. It can be applied to identify and validate new biomarkers and for quality control of therapeutic pro-teins.

by combining specific antibodies with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, highly sensitive and fast assays for biomarkers can be established.

Novel proteomics approach

the NMI uses a new analysis strategy for rapid and accu-rate quantification of various proteins in blood plasma, urine, tissue samples and solid tumours.

In an award-winning go-bio project, proprietary antibo-dies and advanced mass spectrometry are combined in an analytical workflow. this workflow allows protein biomar-ker detection and quantification in samples from any type of animal relevant to pharmaceutical research. these tests will ensure that medications are safer in the future.

NMI 2014 9

electrophysiologyIon channels are present in almost every type of tissue in the body and play a decisive role in intra- and inter-cellular information processing and the regulation of metabolic functions. several medical conditions, including cardiova¬scular disorders, pain, neural diseases and diabe-tes, are associated with ion channel disorders. In scientific research as well as in preclinical drug development and safety pharmacology, a range of methods and model sys-tems are applied to examine the regulation of ion channels.

From cell to organ

the NMI develops electrophysiological tests to investigate ion channels and related pathophysiological processes.

We apply the entire range of standard electrophysiological methods and analyze signal transduction mechanisms on the single channel as well as single-cell level in tissue pre-parations and organ systems. We can thus examine specific and activity-dependent drug effects in cardiac, neural, insulin-releasing and stem cell-derived cells.

Molecular cell biology for the identification of novel biomarkers for targeted therapies, it is crucial to have patient-centred model sys-tems and screening methods that mimic the in vivo situ-ation. New medical substances can only be licensed and marketable if the drug’s effects on the target proteins are accurately characterised and verified, and also if adverse off-target effects can be ruled out. Innovative cellular assay systems are a suitable tool for identifying new leads for drug development.

Disease-specific cell models

the NMI uses virus-based gene transfer methods to gene-rate disease-related cell models and investigate the function of proteins associated with the disease.

We combine cellular model systems with the expression of fluorescent nanoprobes (chromobody technology) and high-resolution microscopy. through our eNtRace tech-nology, we generate RNai libraries directly from tumour tissue and are thus able to identify tumour-specific, thera-py-relevant target molecules.

In vivo and in vivo-like cell modelsthe plasticity of the central nervous system (cNs) faci-litates learning processes and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Pathological changes in plasti-city play an important role in many cNs diseases such as dementia, anxiety or depression.

Investigations of novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases require reliable in vivo and in vivo-like models which can be applied in substance testing and validation of new target molecules.

New models for CNS disorders

the NMI develops and validates in vivo and in vivo-like cell models that address specific and disease-linked molecular processes.

our models are validated in vivo by means of behavioural-physiological and electrophysiological methods. the tar-geted modulation of plasticity genes achieves a resolution that no other animal model can provide.

NMI 201410

>> Biomedical technology

Medical technology is a dynamic industry marked by a high degree of innovation and major challenges. Many medium-sized medical technology companies are apprehensive about new regulations and progressively higher standards for regulatory approval that could possibly jeopardize their business. however, these difficulties will not hinder the field of medical technology from continuing to evolve and to explore new ways to improve medical treatment, with the goal of promoting healthy living and healthy ageing.

Biologisation and miniaturisation

the biologisation, miniaturisation and individualisation of medical products are among the five most important dimensions in medical technology, and we actively shape advancements in these areas in cooperation with renowned medtech companies.

Regenerative medicine and biomaterialsIn regenerative medicine, cell-based implants and bio-resorbable biomaterials play a central role in stimulating the body's own regenerative and healing processes. through innovative approaches in tissue engineering, diseases and injuries of nerves, cartilage, intervertebral discs and the abdominal cavity can be treated. these new therapies require new testing methods that enable the quality of cell and biomaterials, and not least, their effectiveness, to be reliably assessed.

Novel therapies

the NMI identifies and validates new biomarkers for quality control and verification of the effectiveness of cell-based medicinal products.

our methods are based on extensive, long-standing experience in the development and testing of cell-based therapies as well as our expertise in the development and testing of biomaterials deriving from biopolymers such as collagen, albumin and chitosan.

Micro-medical technologysmarter, more personalised and smaller: Miniaturised equipment, systems and instruments, along with informa-tion and communication technologies, are opening up entirely new possibilities for the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases and injuries. electronic implants are increasingly been used for the diagnosis and monitoring of bodily functions. New bioelectronic treatment strategies to treat organ disorders exploit the effects of electrical stimulation targeted at the nervous system.

Intelligent implants

NMI develops techniques for microassembling, integration and encapsulation that facilitate the miniaturisation of active neuronal and biosensor implants.

our extensive experience with biocompatible layer systems of polymers, insulators and metals enables us to select suitable materials that can withstand the interactions at the interface between implant and tissue. We use sensitive testing technology to validate our solutions in long-term investigations.

NMI 2014 11

biosensorsPersonalised treatment methods for individual patients are part of the major trends in medicine. In this context, implantable biosensors offer the possibility of continuous monitoring of clinical biomarkers in the treatment of meta-bolic diseases and in monitoring the healing process after trauma, surgery and tissue transplantation. however, it continues to be a challenge to design sensor systems that comply with the required sensitivity and selectivity, and, at the same time, offer long-term safety and functionality after being implanted into the body.

Electrochemical sensors

the NMI develops microelectrode systems for the electro-chemical detection of the ph value, concentrations of ions and gases present in bodily fluids.

In addition to precious metals, we use polymers and carbon electrodes. electrochemical, physical and chemical deposition processes result in material composites com-prising superior electrical and mechanical properties that can be applied in neurostimulation and biosensing.

surface technologyMaterials and their surfaces are the key elements driving technological innovations and have received overwhel-ming attention from the medical device industry. they essentially determine the biocompatibility, biostability, sterilisation capacity, storage and absorbability of medical devices. coating with biomolecules as well as inorganic and organic films equips surfaces with antibacterial properties. this makes them particularly resistant to corrosion and allows controlled drug release.

Functional coatings

the NMI uses dipping, spraying and plasma techniques to adapt the surface properties of medical device products, thus optimizing them for application.

We offer our clients consultancy services and tailor-made solutions for the most diverse tasks and challenges. coating is done using various Pvd and cvd techniques and dipping and spraying are offered for applying hydrogels and poly-electrolytes.

Process safety and quality assurancesurface analysis at the molecular level as well as the careful monitoring of manufacturing steps are the fun-damental prerequisites for competent assessment of, for instance, the cleanliness of products, the corrosion susceptibility of materials after laser marking or the safety of adhesive joints.

In this process, it is crucial that a variety of highly-sensi-tive methods are employed to detect elements and chemi-cal compounds on surface structures.

Qualification of surfaces

the NMI establishes and qualifies manufacturing and cleaning processes and analyzes surfaces after processing, sterilisation and utilisation.

our clients from the medical technology field have complete access to our surface and material technology expertise. this enables them to achieve conclusive and reliable outcomes and documents that ensure quality assurance and regulatory approval of their products.

Noir® scissors (© b.braun Melsungen ag)

NMI 201412

>> Surface and material technology

safe, efficient and clean: in a nutshell, those are the qualities expected from the processing industry when it comes to the use of energy and raw materials. at the same time, the demand for shorter delivery times, greater variety and better-quality products increases. as a result, the energy and resource-efficient production of innovative products with new functionalities has great competitive potential in the automotive, mechanical engineering and tool- manufacturing industries which are driven by intensive use of materials.

Materials, microsystems and surfaces

by drawing on its interdisciplinary expertise in micro, nano and surface technology, the NMI offers competent support to clients facing material and production-related issues.

Microsystems technologyMeasure, control, regulate: by integrating many functions into progressively smaller systems, it is possible to design more sophisticated applications, involving smart and mobile systems, into the technologies impacting produc-tion, energy, environment, communications, security and the health sector.

advancements in smart system integration are being enhanced by innovative materials and manufacturing pro-cesses for microsystems as well as by new possibilities in thin-film technology for producing lighter and more flexib-le circuit substrate and encapsulation.

From conception to small series production

the NMI develops, manufactures and tests specific micro-systems for application in life sciences and industrial sensors.

We cover the entire value chain - from conception to stan-dardised production of small series. In our cleanrooms, we can deposit conductive and insulating layers on rigid and ultra-thin, flexible substrates and assemble them at a resolution of down to 1µm.

Nanotechnologysmaller, faster, more efficient: Nanotechnology has become an interdisciplinary cross-sectional technology that is increasingly being applied in many different areas of biotechnology and materials science. the focus of research and development has turned to nanomaterials, nano coatings and to analytical methods involving the analysis of nanoscale structures and materials.

the highest product readiness assessment, in the fields of nanoelectronics, sensing, energy, environmental and chemical engineering, is being assigned to conductive nanostructures and nanocomposites.

Electrochemical nanomaterials

the NMI develops nanomaterials for electrochemical appli-cations and nanoanalytical methods for structure and function elucidation.

We rely on a combination comprising conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes (cNt). We can also count on our interdisciplinary approach and wide experience in electro-chemistry in developing sensors and electrodes for energy conversion and control of enzymatic reactions.

abc of surface technology

200 nm

NMI 2014 13

a analyticsMaterial processing and ageing, tribology, corrosion, contamination: it is extremely important, in terms of design and optimisation of components in automotive, mechanical engineering and medical instruments, to have knowhow relating to processes occurring on surfaces and buried interfaces of materials during manufacturing or while they are being used. Interfacial and microstructure analytics offer a direct route towards improvements in processes and products as well as in quality assurance during on-going manufacturing.

High-resolution analytics

the NMI clarifies processes on surfaces and at interfaces, as well as in micro and nano structures and down to atom-ic dimensions.

We have a comprehensive range of equipment and prepa-rative, imaging and spectroscopic methods at our disposal. our methods are accredited on the basis of an integrated quality management system, which incorporate, for the most part, the dIN eN Iso / Iec 17025 standards.

b bondingevery technically useful material, such as plastic, metal and glass, can be bonded at low temperatures by means of suitable adhesives. since the material properties of the bonded counterpart remain unchanged, it is possible to continue exploiting the various properties of the substance. bonding technology is used in automotive, machinery and plant construction as well as in medical technology and electrical engineering, among other fields. adhesive bon-ding is a significant factor in cost-effective lightweight construction as it involves lower amounts of raw material and energy.

Reliable bonding

the NMI supports clients from all sectors of industry in the systematic selection, handling, examination and evaluation of adhesives and adhesive systems.

our expertise is based on several years of experience in ad- hesives and surface technology, selecting strength and re- sistance tests as well as professional evaluation of test re-sults and we can count on the knowhow of our vast network of partners from industrial sectors and research institutions.

c coatingelectric dielectric strength, corrosion protection, non-stick coatings: the surfaces of materials need to be adapted to the conditions under which they will be used.

through activation and coating, the properties of mate-rials and component interfaces can be adapted to the re-spective physical and chemical stresses without affecting bulk properties.

Plasma technology offers unique options for the adjust-ment of upper surface characteristics.

Customised optimisation of surfaces

the NMI designs tailor-made surface coatings and devel-ops functionalised treatment for industrial products and medical devices.

for the production of thin films, we use Pvd and cvd methods. We validate the layer properties by using highly-sensitive measuring techniques. our expertise and auto-nomy as an independent research institute give us the flexibility that is necessary to mutually define the scope of a contract with clients, which strengthens the collabora-tive product development process.

>> Highlights

NMI 201414

evaluating pharmaceuticals: live and in real timeEfficient and reliable analysis through "Chromobody technology"

the "chromobody technology" for biomedical research presents a new antibody format how pharmaceuticals act within cells - "live" and in real time. In this process, nano antibodies deriving from alpacas, called chromobodies, are used to visualize cellular processes.

by coupling fluorescent trace to alpaca antibodies target structures in living cells such as cancer cells become visi-ble. the fate of the cells can thus be monitored under the microscope. at the same time, this method can quickly reveal whether a drug is effectively destroying tumour cells.

thus an efficient, reliable and cost-effective method is available for pharmaceutical drug development and basic research, one which is technologically superior to other antibody-based methods.

Many proteins in one fell swoop New approach for improving diagnostics triumphs at the Science2Start idea competition

Many diseases emerge when the interplay of proteins in the body is disturbed. the most common tests applied in clinical diagnostics aim at detecting and determining the levels of a disease-related proteins. the analysis of mul-tiple proteins in a single test has only been possible via elaborate repeat or parallel tests.

Markus templin and fridolin treindl have meanwhile devel-oped a method in which a very small sample is needed for detecting a number of proteins.

their procedure is based on the Western blot method, which is a current standard method for protein analysis. templin and treindl developed the dIgI-West technology, by which hundreds of digital "copies" of a Western blot can be generated in one single step.

this idea was awarded the first prize at the 2014 science-2start competition hosted by bioRegio steRN.

More accurate than the originalWe did not invent it but tweaked it to perfection. The NMI automates the manual patch-clamp technique

In the search for new drugs acting on ion channels in cells, thousands of different chemical compounds must be electrophysiologically tested, using the 'patch clamp' technique: an ultra-thin glass pipette is placed on the cell membrane and sucks in a membrane patch. this creates an electrical contact to the interior of the cell by which it is possible to control and measure the current passing through the ion channels - with or without the influence of drugs.

our new electronically-controlled method for micron-precise pipette positioning facilitates the automated and parallel implementation of patch-clamp recordings - performing with higher precision than the previous proce-dure which was run manually and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1991.

the system is distributed by our partner, Multi channel systems Mcs gmbh.

explore our website for detailed information. www.nmi.de/en.

© eraxion | dreamstime.com

NMI 2014 15

Nano is big!Looking for clues: Cutting-edge analysis of surfaces, materials, particles and biological samples

by means of cutting-edge spectroscopic and imaging equipment and unique preparation methods, we support product development, quality assurance and failure anal-ysis in the automotive, mechanical engineering and tool manufacturing industries as well as drug and implant R&d in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

our state-of-the-art devices for micro, nano and bioana-lytics include:

� secondary neutral mass spectrometry (sNMs) for quantitative investigations of materials, in particular those involving corrosion and contamination of surfaces.

� Raman microscope for spatially-resolved chemical surface analysis of biomedical and materials engineer-ing samples.

� Microscopic platforms for high-resolution multidimen-sional live cell microscopy in complex cell cultures and tissue structures.

less pain, more mobility Intelligent treatment for herniated discs —New treatment in sight!

a new therapy has come into being by combining patient's own cells with intelligent biomaterial. cells are removed from a herniated disc, propagated in the laboratory and, after a few weeks of being embedded in a novel biomate-rial, they are re-injected into the intervertebral disc where they regenerate new disc tissue.

after the injection, the biomaterial solidifies into a cartil-age-like hydrogel and stabilises the cells while supporting the disc biomechanically.

this novel therapy has been developed by the NMI, in col-laboration with various research partners.

the product is currently being tested by the tetec com-pany, under the trade name Novocart disc, in a multicen-tre study. If the results of the study prove to be successful, Novocart disc will become marketable in a few years’ time.

bioelectronic contactsNano material exhibits superior properties and is suita-ble for applications in neurotechnology

the quest for universal micro-electrodes which offer both safety and high detection sensitivity, and which are suita-ble for electrical stimulation as well as for measuring the smallest electrical and chemical signals from nerve cells and organs, has been unsuccessful.

our combination of carbon nanotubes (cNt) and conduc-ting polymer (Pedot) now shows the desired properties and is ready for production.

the Pedot-cNt composite electrodes will be available for scientific applications in neuro and cardiovascular research on glass and polymer substrates.

With this innovative product, the NMI is expanding its wide range of microelectrode systems for actuators, sensors and electrochemistry.

www.rwb-efre.baden-wuerttemberg.de

>> strong southwest region>> Image description

NMI 201416

the NMI is a reliable partner in regional alliances, clusters, associations and scientific institutions.

Page 6 l.t. stained Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the rat - calbindin (red), Neurofascin (green)l.b. sprouting nerve fibers of ganglion of the embryonic chicken (stained cytosceleton)m. Microelectrode array on plastic substrater. gear, surface modified by load

Page 7l. Neurons labeled by lentiviral infection (green) of the rat hippocampus.m. Implantable microelectrode system for measuring brain signalsr. camshaft

Page 8l. Western blot of alanine aminotransferase of hepatitis c patientsm. Reverse phase protein microarray (RPPM) stained with antibodies for activated caspaser. human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPscs), positive for the stem cell marker tRa-1-81 (green), cell nuclei blue.

Page 9r. Pancreatic cells on an electrode of a micro-electrode array

Page 10m. cytoskeletal staining of cartilage cellsr. Implantable microcapsule for biosensing applications

Page 11l. Microsensor chip for measuring the ph, ions and dissolved gases in body fluidsm. Noir® scissors (© bbraun Melsungen)

Page 12 m. flexible microelectrode array for neurosensor applicationsr. Pedot-cNt composite material for electrochemical applications (imaging by a he-ion microscope)

Page 13m. examination of the adhesive behavior of a plasterr. titanium-coated polymer membrane of a paint pump

Page 14m fluorescent actin filaments in antibodies of alpacas (chromobodies)r. Patch clamp measurement

Page 15l. spinal disc - illustration (© eraxion | dreamstime.com - slip Injection Photo)m. Nano structure of a Pedot-cNt microelectrode for electrophysiology

copyright of all pictures (except pictures on page 11 (m.) and 15 (l.)): © NMI Reutlingen. (l. left, m. middle, r. right, t. top, b. below)

>> Quotes

NMI 2014 17

»the NMI has embarked on an important future-oriented path and this will ensure jobs and employ-ment in our region.«

Dr. Nils Schmid, Deputy Minister-President and Minister of Finance and Economics ot the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg

»for nearly 20 years, a network of hospitals and institutes has worked on developing electronic retinal implants. having been involved in this endeavour from the beginning, the NMI has made a significant contribution to our success with its expertise in nerve-chip coupling.«

Dr. Walter-G. Wrobel, President & CEO, Retina Implant AG

»for us, as a team with a market-able idea and the determination to start a company, the NMI offers the best conditions: support in develop-ing our business strategy, link-ups with potential clients, assistance in patenting our ideas, access to an extensive network of experts and successful start-ups in the vicinity of the NMI.«Dr. Julia Schütte und Simon Werner, budding entre- preneurs, NMI, Reutlingen

»We have come to appreciate the NMI as a reliable partner with an amazingly diverse portfolio of tech-nologies. We benefit from a steady flow of innovations at the highest level.«

Dr. Hans-Dieter Pohlenz, Vice President Target Discovery Technologies, Bayer Healthcare, Berlin

»the NMI is an important ZeIss labs@location partner. to us, the NMI's most unique selling proposition is that we can rely on a single competent partner for its broad positioning, excellent network connections and remarkably well-developed infrastructure encompas-sing a wide range of specialities.«Dr. Ulrich Mantz Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen

»In the technology biotope between Reutlingen and tübingen, there are still tender plants with lots of poten-tial that are taking root. Meanwhile, there are 62 well-established high-tech companies which boast about 1,000 jobs and at the centre of this technology park is the NMI.«Barbara Bosch, Lord Mayor of the City of Reutlingen

»I value the NMI as a significant centre of innovation. It conducts research geared towards practical applications and is mindful about the concerns of innovative small and medium-size companies. our cham-ber of commerce (IhK) and chamber of commerce Institute for Knowledge Management and Knowledge transfer work closely with the NMI. We treasu-re this close relationship.«

Dr. Wolfgang Epp, Chief Executive, IHK Reutlingen

»as an NMI partner, we can rely on the full extent of knowledge on micro-electrode arrays (Mea) that the NMI has acquired over many years. We use Meas in our in vitro and in vivo systems for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.«Karl-Heinz Boven, Chief Executive Officer , Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, Reutlingen

18

NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen

Markwiesenstraße 55, 72770 Reutlingen, germanyPhone +49 7121 51530-0 info@nmi.de, www.nmi.de

NMI is alliance partner of baden-Württemberg Innovation alliance