Das Gruppenbild zeigt die Teilnehmenden der Actisono-Kick-Off-Veranstaltung
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Kick-off of the Leibniz ScienceCampus ACTISONO in Aachen

The new Leibniz ScienceCampus ACTISONO is researching how drugs can be activated in the body in a targeted and gentle way - with the help of ultrasound. The interdisciplinary research network has now been launched with a kick-off event in Aachen.

The event for the new Leibniz ScienceCampus ACTISONO (Activation of Pharmaceuticals by Ultrasound - ACTISONO) took place on May 27.

The ScienceCampus is a joint research network involving the DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, RWTH Aachen University Hospital and other partners. The aim is to develop novel concepts for the targeted activation of drugs using ultrasound. An innovative approach that has the potential to fundamentally change modern medicine.

The campus brings together experts from the fields of chemistry, materials research, medicine and engineering to lay the foundations for a new therapeutic strategy: sonopharmacology - the activation of active substances by mechanical forces that can be delivered to specific areas of the body using focused ultrasound. This method promises greater precision in the release of active ingredients, reduced side effects and improved efficacy through local control.

Interdisciplinary project work with medical relevance

ACTISONO pursues a holistic research approach in which scientific application projects and method-oriented development projects are closely interlinked:

The scientific projects focus on specific medical challenges:

  • The release of antibiotics through destructible microbubbles for the treatment of bacterial infections
  • The targeted delivery of micro-RNA to modulate immune responses in liver inflammation
  • The support of liver regeneration after surgery through a locally applicable hydrogel with ultrasound-controlled drug release

The method-oriented projects develop the technological basis for these applications:

  • New carrier systems based on self-decomposing polymers
  • Computer models to simulate the behavior of drug carriers under ultrasound
  • Piezoelectric polymer brushes for precise drug release without cavitation
  • Evaluation of regulatory and translational requirements for subsequent clinical implementation

Both project types contribute equally to achieving the scientific goals of ACTISONO and creating a sustainable basis for future applications in personalized medicine.

External impulse from medical technology

A highlight of the event was the lecture by Prof. Georg Schmitz (Ruhr University Bochum), who highlighted the potential and current developments of ultrasound technology in medical applications. His insights underlined the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration - particularly between basic research and medical technology - for the future success of ACTISONO.

A milestone for the region

The Leibniz ScienceCampus ACTISONO not only strengthens Aachen as a center for interdisciplinary health research, but also creates a sustainable network. The project is funded by the Leibniz Association.

Further information about the campus and the research concept can be found here

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