Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics

Profile

The central research field of our institute is soft matter physics. Our activities build on a long, successful tradition in physical chemistry and statistical physics. This tradition was founded by well-known scientists like Peter Debye in Leipzig.

Experimental setup for photothermal Rutherford scattering

Focus

Our institute has become an international renowned focal point for soft matter physics and its applications in biological physics. An important methodological element is the use and development of photonic techniques.

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Departments

The research of the departments focusses on the equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics of macromolecules, nano- and micro-objects. Understanding soft matter from the bottom up makes it possible to understand the active and passive material properties of biological cells.

News

Female doctor talking to a patient.

Press release

New insights into the prognostic power of gene expression signatures in breast cancer

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Das Zytoskelett durchzieht Zellen (gezeigt sind hier Aktinstrukturen in Orange und der Zellkern in Türkis) und gibt ihnen mechanische Stabilität. Diese Strukturen zeigen deutliche Variationen bei krebsartigen Veränderungen und beeinflussen damit maßgeblich die Zellmechanik.

Press release

Physics of Cancer: Experts to discuss the different stages of cancer progression

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Tumour-associated microscopic effects such as the liquification or increased fluidity of cancer cells have an effect on the tumour’s macroscopic mechanical properties. These can then be measured directly in a patient’s body using tomoelastography.

Press release

Study: Fluidity Predicts Aggressiveness of Cancerous Tumours

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Contact

Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics

Linnéstraße 5
04103 Leipzig

Head: Prof. Dr. Ralf Seidel

Phone: +49 341 97-32550
Fax: +49 341 97-32549