iL-CURRENT
April 1, 2025
Benjamin Richter: "Cell environments still
more precisely"
One of our five speakers at the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on April 29 is Dr. Benjamin Richter from Nanoscribe, the global market and technology leader for 3D printing in the nano and micrometre range. In his presentation "3D Bioprinting for Organ-on-Chip", the physicist with a doctorate from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will demonstrate how precisely 3D microstructures can be integrated directly into microfluidic chips to create realistic conditions for cells.
These methods open up new avenues for applications in biotechnology, drug development and organ-on-chip systems. "I am particularly inspired by how the combination of biology, physics and technology can make a concrete contribution to improving life," says Richter in the iL expert interview.
Mr. Richter, you are Life Science Application Manager at Nanoscribe and have a doctorate in biophysics. What motivated you to be a speaker at the InnovationLab workshop "Organ-on-Chip"?
Benjamin Richter: As a biophysicist, I am particularly fascinated by how technologies have the potential to change the life sciences. Organ-on-chip is a particularly exciting field because it allows biological processes to be realistically reproduced directly in the laboratory. At Nanoscribe, we are developing innovative 3D printing processes with which these chip systems can be produced with even greater precision and versatility. As a speaker at the InnovationLab workshop, I would like to pass on our know-how, show what is possible in terms of production technology in the nano and micrometer range, give new impetus and at the same time find out what challenges other researchers from science and industry are facing. Together, we can play a decisive role in shaping the future of personalized medicine.
Why is the topic OoC from your professional perspective of microfabrication, biofunctionalization and the 3D-microstructures just now so relevant?
Richter: Organ-on-chip (OoC) is currently a particularly promising topic, as we are now technically capable of reproducing biological systems more faithfully than ever before. With the help of modern 3D microfabrication, the finest structures can be produced that exactly simulate the environment of human cells and tissue. In addition, we can specifically biofunctionalize these structures to authentically reproduce biological processes. This makes it possible to better predict drug effects, reduce animal testing and advance personalized medicine. This combination of microfabrication and biofunctionalization makes OoC a crucial building block for future medical innovations.
Develops innovative applications: Dr. Benjamin Richter is Application Manager Life Science at Nanoscribe. Picture: Nanoscribe
"Further optimize printing processes"
Which technological challenges must in 3D-bioprinting and in the context of OoC still mastered be mastered?
Richter: A key challenge in 3D bioprinting for organ-on-chip is to reproduce cell environments even more realistically and precisely. To achieve this, printing processes must be further optimized in order to process biological materials and living cells precisely, quickly and gently (bioprinting). Another key issue is the long-term stability and functionality of the printed tissues, as they need to reliably simulate biological processes over a long period of time. There is also a great need to develop materials that are both biocompatible and have optimum mechanical and chemical properties. Only in this way can we ultimately create systems that reliably mimic human organs and can therefore be used for medical purposes.
Are there successfully realized applications from OoC in the industry and in clinical routine?
Richter: Ja, es gibt bereits erste erfolgreiche Anwendungen, auch wenn der Großteil sich noch in der Grundlagenforschung abspielt. Unternehmen nutzen Organ‒on‒Chip‒Systeme schon heute, um Medikamentenwirkungen und ‒nebenwirkungen schneller und präziser vorherzusagen. Zum Beispiel kommen Leber‒ oder Herzchips zum Einsatz, um Medikamente fr ühzeitig auf Toxizität zu testen und Entwicklungszeiten erheblich zu verkürzen.
https://www.merckgroup.com/de/research/science‒space/envisioning‒tomorrow/precision‒medicine/organ‒on‒a‒chip.html
Leads projects: Benjamin Richter iin conversation with colleagues. He is inspired by the interdisciplinary collaboration that regularly generates new perspectives and insights. Picture: Nanoscribe
What inspires you personally with this topic?
Richter: I am particularly inspired by how the combination of biology, physics and technology can make a concrete contribution to improving life. Personally, I am inspired by the interdisciplinary collaboration in which we are constantly developing new ideas from different perspectives. Seeing how our work can have a direct impact on people's health motivates me anew every day. This is where I see the real meaning of research and innovation.
Nanoscribe can on over 5.500 active users in around 30 countries worldwide count. How high is nevertheless is your regional network requirements with the iL-workshop?
Richter: Although Nanoscribe is very well networked internationally, access to certain research clusters and topics is also important. This is why the regional exchange with the InnovationLab and this workshop is particularly valuable. Especially when it comes to the complex topic of organs-on-chips, we benefit enormously from establishing direct contacts with leading research institutions, clinics and industrial partners from the region. This proximity makes it possible to implement joint projects more quickly, obtain direct feedback and further develop technological solutions in a targeted manner. In addition, a regional network strengthens the innovation location as a whole and facilitates the rapid transfer of new technologies into practical use. For us, regional networking is therefore not just a supplement, but an important building block for successful innovation. Personally, I am still in close contact with my doctoral supervisor Prof. Dr. Martin Bastmeyer and regularly exchange ideas with him.
About the person
Dr. Benjamin Richter is Application Manager Life Science at Nanoscribe, the pioneer and leading provider in the field of high-precision additive manufacturing. Richter holds a doctorate in physics from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He completed his interdisciplinary work on the selective biofunctionalization of three-dimensional microstructures in the working groups of Prof. Dr. Martin Wegener, Prof. Dr. Martin Bastmeyer and Prof. Dr. Christopher Barner-Kowollik and his scientific publications have already been cited over 2,000 times.
In his current position at Nanoscribe, he leads projects to develop innovative applications in the field of life science, in particular around the topic of organ-on-chip. He combines his knowledge of biology, physics and microstructuring to make technologies accessible to industry and research. His aim is to use interdisciplinary approaches to create solutions that advance medicine and research in the long term.
About Nanoscribe
Nanoscribe is a pioneer and market leader in the field of high-precision additive manufacturing. The medium-sized company develops and produces 3D printers and grayscale lithography systems as well as specially developed printing materials and application-specific solutions for microfabrication applications on the nano-, micro- and mesoscale. Nanoscribe was founded in 2007 as a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and has been part of the Lab14 Group since December 2024.
More than 5,500 users at top universities and innovative companies worldwide benefit from the pioneering technology and application-specific solutions for 3D microfabrication.
Information about the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY
Further information on the procedure and registration can be found on our website at
https://www.innovationlab.de/life‒science‒tech‒day‒2025
Registration ends on April 22, one week before the workshop on April 29. Catering will be provided at InnovationLab's "iL.Connect.Space" premises.
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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