The group of M. Bastmeyer (Institute of Zoology I) has developed a new setup for a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microscope. Attached to a light microscope, this technique allows the simultaneous observation of cellular morphology and the basal surface of the cells. This method can be used to quantify distances between the cell membrane and the growth substrate (Biophys. J. 76, 509 (1999)). If a flexible polymer waveguide is matched to the prism of the SPR-microscope, deformations of the waveguide can be measured in the nanometer range. Thus, calculation of forces necessary to deform the waveguide is possible after calibration of the system (Science 285, 1896 (1999)). These new microscope techniques are applied to measure forces down to the nano-Newton range which are typical for biological systems (Ann. Rev. Biophys. Biomol. Struct. 31, 321 (2002)).
K. D. Müller-Glaser and W. Stork have demonstrated for the first time worldwide a non-invasive and continuously working blood pressure monitoring system based on time resolved Laser-Doppler measurements of blood flow through the skin. Blood pressure measurement using the oscillometric method is well established in the community. However, the drawback of the method is the disturbance of the patient during sleep and the limitation of the measurement frequency to four times per hour. More frequent measurements cause damages of vessels. Continuous and non disturbing monitoring of blood pressure is highly desired by the patients and medical doctors. The basic idea of the approach is the relationship of pressure and the speed of the pulse wave and the liquid in the vessel. Using the time resolved Laser-Doppler measurement technique the speed distribution of the liquid in the vessel for example at the finger tip or the ear can be measured. With the synchronously acquired Electrocardiograph (ECG) the starting point of the pulse wave can be detected. The time delay given by both measurements allows the calculation of the pulse wave velocity. Pulse wave velocity, blood particle speed and an individual calibration parameter can be used in an algorithm for the calculation of the blood pressure heart beat by heart beat (SPIE Proc. Vol. 3596, 1999, p.129). Clinical trials have been performed at the University hospital in Erlangen, Germany and show a good agreement with invasive reference measurements (Eur J. Anaesthesia 19, A-138.3 (2002)). In cooperation with a German SME this system is currently being developed into a prototype for volume production.
K.D. Müller-Glaser and W. Stork developed an intraocular lens with a diffractive microstructure for bifocal vision in cooperation with the start-up company Acritec GmbH. The lens restores the visual acuity for far and near sight after a cataract surgery and avoids the need for glasses. For 20 years the technology of intraocular lenses (IOLs) has allowed the restoration of vision for cataract patients. However, the ability of accommodation is lost after cataract surgery. In the last decade, different multi- or bifocal lenses were introduced in the market. However, due to the poor image quality none of those were successful. The Karlsruhe group tried a diffractive approach with an aspheric design and microstructures manufactured by ultra precision diamond lathe machines. With this method smooth optical surfaces could be combined with diffractive microstructures in flexible materials like silicone (Proc. SPIE 3591, 1999). The optical quality of the lens turned out to be diffraction limited. In clinical trials the lens showed superior results. In 2001 it was recognized with the Innovation Award of Berlin and Brandenburg. Meanwhile this successful development not only restored the vision of many thousands of patients but was also the basis for the success of the start-up company, which has now more than 100 employees.
Print Page
