Abstract: An active retina implant has a multiplicity of pixel elements that convert incident light into electric stimulation signals for cells of the retina with which stimulation electrodes are to make contact. Each pixel element is provided with at least one image cell that converts incident light into electric signals, there being provided at least one amplifier whose input is connected to the image cell and whose output is connected to at least one stimulation electrode to which it supplies a stimulation signal. Also provided is an energy supply which provides externally coupled external energy as supply voltage for the image cells and the amplifiers. The image cell has a logarithmic characteristic according to which incident light of specific intensity is converted into electric signals of specific amplitude. The stimulation signal is supplied in the form of analog voltage pulses of specific pulse length and pulse spacings, the pulse amplitude being a function of the intensity of the incident light.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically contacting biological cells suspended in a liquid has a substrate having at least one opening and an electrode for electrically contacting a cell immobilized above the opening. A contact unit with a contact tip is arranged below said opening. A top end of the contact tip projects into the opening in such a way that it comes to bear against a cell membrane of the immobilized cell. The contact tip has a contact channel which ends at its top end. A hydrodynamic low pressure can be exerted upon the cell membrane via the contact channel, and the electrode is electrically connected to the contact channel. In a method for electrically contacting biological cells suspended in a liquid, a cell is immobilized above an opening provided in a substrate, and the immobilized cell is contacted via at least one electrode. For contacting the immobilized cell, a hydrodynamic low pressure is generated acting on a cell membrane through a contact tip projecting into the opening.

Abstract: An active retina implant has a multiplicity of pixel elements that convert incident light into electric stimulation signals for cells of the retina with which stimulation electrodes are to make contact. Each pixel element is provided with at least one image cell that converts incident light into electric signals, there being provided at least one amplifier whose input is connected to the image cell and whose output is connected to at least one stimulation electrode to which it supplies a stimulation signal. Also provided is an energy supply which provides externally coupled external energy as supply voltage for the image cells and the amplifiers. The image cell has a logarithmic characteristic according to which incident light of specific intensity is converted into electric signals of specific amplitude. The stimulation signal is supplied in the form of analog voltage pulses of specific pulse length and pulse spacings, the pulse amplitude being a function of the intensity of the incident light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retina implant for the functional electrostimulation of a retina as a function of incident light. The retina implant has a stimulation chip that is designed to be implanted in the area of the retina of an eye. It further includes a radiation receiver that provides energy for the stimulation chip as a function of invisible radiation that occurs. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the radiation receiver is designed so as to be implanted in the area of the eye in a fashion spatially separated from the stimulation chip. The stimulation chip also has decoupling means in order to separate invisible scattered radiation from impinging visible light.

Abstract: A process for carrying out functional assays on test cells is described comprising the following steps: a) providing an array of measuring points which are separate from each other and to which in each case capture molecules to which said test cells can bind are immobilized, b) generating a mixture of said test cells and of reference particles which are capable of binding to said capture molecules and which are distinguishable from said test cells, c) contacting the mixture of step b) with the array so that test cells and reference particles can bind to each measuring point, and d) determining the ratio of bound test cells of interest to bound reference particles for at least some of the measuring points. In a further process, at least one measuring point with its assigned capture molecules is distributed between a plurality of measuring areas in the array, which are arranged at various sites in said array.

Abstract: A retina implant including a chip adapted to be implanted into the interior of eye in subretinal contact with the retina. The chip has a plurality of pixel elements on a side thereof facing the lens for receiving an image projected into the retina and a plurality of electrodes for stimulating retina cells. The implants further includes a receiver coil for inductively coupling thereinto electromagnetic energy. The receiver coil coupled to a means for converting an alternating voltage induced into the receiver coil in a direct voltage suited for supplying the chip. The receiver coil is configured as a component separate from the chip, and for being positioned on the eye ball outside the sclera. The chip is connected to the receiver coil via a connecting lead which, in the implanted condition interconnects the interior and the exterior of the eye ball.

Abstract: A transcutaneous medical device which has on its surface a fibrous material with free collagen fibers which are present in a natural structure. The transcutaneous medical device is prepared by applying to the surface of such a device a fibrous material with free collagen fibers present in a natural structure.

Abstract: A dental implant coated with a composition containing desmodontal cells, where the cells are not propagated in vitro prior to being coated on the implant.

Abstract: A biocompatible composite material and a method for its production are provided, wherein the composite material is made of a plastic matrix having a felt of collagen fibers contained therein, wherein the collagen fibers project out of a surface of the composite material, wherein the composite material is produced by a process involving:a) providing a collagen fiber felt wherein the collagen fibers have a structure of native collagen;b) impregnating the collagen fiber felt with one or more polymerizable monomers,c) partially curing the one or more polymerizable monomers to provide a polymer containing unpolymerized monomers, shortchain oligomers or both therein;d) removing the unpolymerized monomers and shortchain oligomers from the surface of the composite material to expose the collagen fiber felt on the surface,wherein the composite material is useful for the production of implants, especially dental implants and the implants can be colonized with human cells prior to implantation.