Non-Linear Mechanics and Self-Repair in Macromolecular Networks (B11)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: from 2014 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 111166240

We aim to better understand the complex rheological properties and self-healing behavior found in biological networks such as biofilms and cytoskeletal networks. A top-down approach is used that chemically modifies bacterial biofilm networks form various bacterial sources. Moreover, a bottom-up strategy will develop bioinspired polymer networks which are crosslinked by unique chemistry to tune the cross-linker density and their lifetime. The two types of networks will be tested for their complex rheological behavior and self-healing abilities in order to identify minimal combinations of macromolecules and cross-links that give rise to both strain-hardening and self-healing in the very same network.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 863: Forces in Biomolecular Systems
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Job Boekhoven, since 1/2018; Professor Dr. Oliver Lieleg; Privatdozentin Dr. Madeleine Opitz, until 12/2017