How could medicines be produced exactly where the body needs them? An interactive exhibit aboard MS Wissenschaft demonstrates the potential of living therapeutic materials. During the exhibition ship’s stop in Mainz, we visited the exhibition and captured some impressions.
As part of Science Year 2026, MS Wissenschaft is touring with around 30 interactive exhibits dedicated to the “Medicine of the Future”. One of them is “Living Materials in Action: Producing Medicines Directly at the Site of Treatment”. The exhibit is based on research conducted at INM and within the Leibniz ScienceCampus “Living Therapeutic Materials”. It is also supported by the DFG Priority Programme 2451.
At the heart of the exhibit is an idea that initially sounds like science fiction: Living cells are embedded in materials and act as tiny biological factories. They produce therapeutic substances and release them directly into their surroundings. This concept is illustrated using a “living contact lens” that could provide therapeutic agents to the surface of the eye over an extended period.
At another station, visitors can discover how these materials could also be used on the skin or in the intestine. The embedded cells could be programmed to detect signs of disease and respond by producing specific therapeutic substances. This could make treatments more personalised, responsive and resource-efficient.
During the stop in Mainz, visitors were able to explore the exhibit and speak with the researchers behind the project. Before living therapeutic materials can be used in medical care, questions concerning long-term stability, controllability and safety still need to be addressed. Initial research results, however, show that embedded cells can remain functional and release active substances over extended periods.
MS Wissenschaft will continue its tour until the end of September 2026. Admission is free.