Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung

Ackermannweg 10

http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de

+49 6131 379400

Surfaces play an important role in coatings, in the reduction of friction, or in the biocompatibility of implants. However, there’s only very little known about their importance for biology. Life wouldn’t be possible without the building of reaction chambers inside a cell, the so-called compartments that are separated from each other by lipid membranes. In the field of materials research different characteristics and functions can be combined in one material with the help of nano-structured materials. The characteristics of such materials are fundamentally influenced by their interfaces. The development of micro and nanotechnologies are likewise determined by the characteristics of interfaces. The smaller the structures, the more molecules will be found on the surfaces. This is why one of the main objectives of the Max Planck Institute is the analysis of surfaces and interfaces. Given this knowledge interfaces can be specially designed and modified to achieve precisely defined effects and characteristics.