Bone damage is a common consequence of trauma, whether caused by traffic accidents, osteoporosis, or sports injuries, and often leads to significant limitations in daily life. Rapid and complete regeneration of such injuries is therefore of great importance. In some cases, treatment poses particular challenges due to complications related to impaired blood supply, systemic conditions, or the advanced age of patients. Surgical interventions and tissue transplantation are often required to achieve successful healing.
The research group led by Regina Brunauer, with clinical guidance from Thomas Nau, is developing new treatment strategies that not only support but actively induce structural bone regeneration. Their goal is to functionalize implants in ways that stimulate the endogenous regenerative capacity of bone tissue. To this end, the team is developing both biological implant surfaces with enhanced functionality and tissue substitute materials, while also seeking to apply insights from the field of regeneration biology, including on the complete regrowth of amputated fingertips (in mammals) and limbs (in salamanders).
Their research focuses include:
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Novel osteosynthesis and bone substitute materials that combine scaffolds, microstructuring, growth factors, stem cells, and pre-vascularization approaches
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New stimulation techniques for patients with impaired natural regenerative potential
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Investigations into mouse digit tip regeneration to explore strategies for structural bone regrowth after complex fractures or amputations
All approaches are evaluated for both efficacy and ethical viability, with a strong emphasis (developed in close collaboration with clinicians) on strategies that support clinical translation into real-world patient care.
