Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 35: Focus Session: 75 Years Division Polymer Physics: From Curiosity to Smart Materials (joint session CPP/BP)

BP 35.5: Topical Talk

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 17:15–17:45, ZEU/LICH

Control of cell and tissue stiffness by biopolymer networks and particle inclusions — •Paul Janmey — University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Filamentous networks of semiflexible polymers are ubiquitous in biology. Collagen fibers form much of the extracellular matrix, the cytoskeleton controls cell mechanics, and chromatin fibers span the volume of the nucleus. The mechanical properties of the biopolymer fibers, the way in which the fibers link into networks, and the types of cells within the network all affect the way in which tissues respond to mechanical stress.

Keywords: biopolymer; extracellular matrix; cytoskeleton; rheology