Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 51: Focus Session: 75 Years Polymer Physics Division: From Curiosity to Smart Materials (joint session CPP/BP)

CPP 51.5: 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