Franz E. Weber

Prof. Dr. Franz E. Weber serves as an Associate Professor in Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering at the Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich. His research laboratory focuses on innovative approaches to bone regeneration, particularly addressing large bone defects in the head region. With expertise spanning biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, Weber leads a research group dedicated to developing novel therapeutic strategies for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction.

Dr. Weber's research interests center on the healing of large bone defects in the head region through the development of growth factors, synthetic bone substitute materials, and biomimetic materials including fibrin gels, platelet rich plasma, synthetic hydrogels, and HA/TCP based materials. His laboratory has pioneered work on delivery systems for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with particular focus on identifying enhancers of these growth factors. Recent work involves osteoconduction research to determine optimal microarchitecture of 3D scaffolds for bone ingrowth, utilizing both titanium powder laser sintering and calcium phosphate based scaffolds produced through lithography-based additive manufacturing. His research bridges the gap between materials science and clinical applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Analysis of Weber's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of additive manufacturing and bone biology, with particular emphasis on how microarchitectural design influences osteoconduction. His work spans from fundamental research on scaffold design principles to preclinical validation in animal models. A significant thread throughout his research involves epigenetic regulation of bone formation, particularly through bromodomain inhibitors like N-methyl pyrrolidone and N,N-dimethylacetamide. His laboratory has made important contributions to understanding how scaffold geometry, material composition, and growth factor delivery systems interact to optimize bone regeneration outcomes.

As principal investigator, Weber leads a multidisciplinary research team within the Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering laboratory at the University of Zurich's Center for Dental Medicine. The laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in biomaterials fabrication, including additive manufacturing for patient-specific scaffolds, as well as comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing facilities for evaluating bone regeneration strategies. Current projects focus on mineralized exosome therapies, advanced ceramic scaffolds, and novel delivery systems for growth factors and epigenetic modulators, positioning the laboratory at the forefront of translational research in craniofacial bone regeneration.