The Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (MBC) was established in 2002 by scientists affiliated to Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF). Under one roof, the research groups of the center cover a spectrum of interdisciplinary activities based on the common concept of Molecular Bioengineering.
Molecular Bioengineering: towards biomimetic materials. Progress in molecular life sciences enables the development of advanced materials based on the molecular elements of living organism or equivalent synthetic mimics. To meet the challenge of creating biomimetic materials, we use biopolymer overlays, templates, matrix architectures or composites, synthetic bioactive molecules and living cells leading to new strategies in regenerative medicine and demanding innovative technologies. The resulting tasks link basic science with applied research and require the joint efforts of individuals from an array of disciplines working together beyond traditional structures. The research at MBC is organized in three different departments:
The Genius Loci. The Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden was established on a site where important developments in the early history of modern life sciences started: In 1920 the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Leather Research was founded at Hohe Strasse in Dresden. The first director of this institute, Max Bergmann (1884-1944), was not only a pioneer of applied sciences but he specifically dedicated his work to unravel protein and peptide structures. The Jewish scientist who left Germany in 1933 became later one of the key individuals in protein chemistry at the Rockefeller University- two Nobel Prize winning scientists worked in his world-famous laboratory. The Max-Bergmann-Kreis, an exclusive association of scientists engaged in research on small proteins and small bioactive molecules reminds of Max Bergmann by annually awarding the Max-Bergmann-Medaille to outstanding scientists. Life sciences entered the scenery again when Hans-Jörg Jacobasch (1936-1998) re-founded the Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. in 1992 after the German unification. He put emphasis on new projects in the field of biomedical polymers and strongly stimulated interdisciplinary activities which eventually lead to the formation of the Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden.
The architecture of the building (Brenner and Partners, Stuttgart, Germany) with its open spaces stimulates the interdisciplinary work and the communication between the scientists. The main characteristics of the building are the expressive copper-gladded green facade on the Budapester Strasse as well as the inviting lobby facing the inner courtyard of the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden.
In a competition with five artists the Dresden artist Sandor Doro was chosen to realize a 13m high art work for the new building. His 'Androgynous Mobile' is an inventive installation at the glass facade of the multi-storey entrance hall. A coloured transparent liquid is pumped up and down in a flat hollow space shaped by coloured glass panels, creating pulsating and lively motions.
"Atlatszo mint a dragakö, de vererek szövik at." Bela Hamvas
