LBI Trauma and FH OÖ already look back on a successful history of collaboration, particularly in the fields of nanoimaging and extracellular vesicles. At the Linz location, the Upper Austrian department of LBI Trauma and FH OÖ share not only research goals, but also infrastructure: the cell culture laboratories of both institutions are located door to door in the same building, enabling seamless cooperation and rapid exchange.

Under the leadership of Paul Slezak, LBI Trauma is now responsible for the translational research at the new Ressel Centre. The group investigates how lab-grown muscle scaffolds perform in biological models of injury and evaluates regenerative effects using a combination of cellular therapy, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and biophysical stimulation techniques such as shockwave therapy.

“Over the course of the project, the 3D cell scaffolds will be adapted for use in muscle defects, the cell systems modified, and the composition of the protein-based bioink materials further optimized,” says Slezak. Muscle defect models, innovative imaging tools, and preclinical studies form the foundation of this module, bringing together expertise from regenerative biology, trauma medicine, and tissue engineering.

The Josef Ressel Centre operates under the umbrella of the Christian Doppler Research Association and is co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism and its industrial partners. In addition to LBI Trauma and FH OÖ, the project involves two companies: Innovacell, a tissue engineering company focused on cell therapy for muscle-related conditions, and Particle Metrix, known for its expertise in nanoparticle tracking analysis for EV diagnostics.

With its strong translational focus and industrial collaboration, the Josef Ressel Centre represents a new step forward in regenerative medicine and highlights the key role of LBI Trauma in turning lab-based innovations into tangible therapeutic options.