Leibniz University Hannover

The Institute for Multiphase Processes

The Institute for Multiphase Processes (IMP), headed by the institute director Prof. h.c. Dr.-Ing. B. Glasmacher, M.Sc., is undertaking research in the field of process engineering as well as biomedical engineering. The focus lies on the application of basic process engineering principles to issues in biomedical process engineering. For this purpose, the IMP covers the complete process chain within the development of new products for regenerative medicine. Regarding the development of new products for regenerative medicine, the IMP offers a wide range of polymer processing methods and analytical procedures. Chemical as well as mechanical characterization, investigations of biocompatibility as well as interactions with biological cells can be added to the IMP’s research portfolio. The research activities of the IMP are divided into three research groups (1) Biomaterials, (2) Interfacial Processes, and (3) Cryotechnology. The research group Cryotechnology is working in the fields of (i) devices and methods for efficient freezing and thawing, (ii) induced ice formation, (iii) safe and low-toxic cryopreservation solutions, (iv) physical and biological aspects of cryopreservation, (v) cryopreservation of blood, and (vi) devices for viability and functionality testing.

In 2016, parts of the institute moved from the main facility to a new multidisciplinary research center (NIFE). In 2020, the main facility moved to the new campus for mechanical engineering in Garbsen. Both facilities have access to unique and state-of-the-art equipment as well as modern research laboratories.

Prof. Birgit Glasmacher

The activities in CryoStore are supervised by the head of the institute Professor Birgit Glasmacher and the senior engineer Dr.-Ing. Marc Müller. The members of the Cryotechnology research group support the project with their expertise. Among them are the PhD students Sven-Alexander Barker, M.Sc.; Ricarda Brunotte, M.Sc.; Tarek Deeb, M.Sc.; and Sara Leal Marin, M.Eng. supervising 10 bachelor students and 15 master students per year in their theses with cryotechnological topics.