https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Leibniz Institute for New Materials Normally, the immune system recognizes and eliminates abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can develop strategies to evade this control: they block defense mechanisms or send inhibitory signals. In this way, tumors can grow unchecked. In a collaborative study, research teams from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Hungary have tackled this challenge by creating artificial tumor models in which synthetic cells mimic immune responses. The study has now been published in the journal Nature Communications. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-12-mini-tumors-combine-synthetic-real.html Oncology & Cancer Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:14:38 EST news684764042 An international team led by scientists from the Museum Koenig in Bonn (Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change) has for the first time successfully tested a universal set of genes for the systematic characterization of different animal species. Their work is published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution. https://phys.org/news/2022-12-universal-multigene-marker-revolutionize-biodiversity.html Ecology Tue, 13 Dec 2022 04:45:48 EST news590129145 More than 30 million people worldwide suffer from eardrum injuries every year. If inadequately treated, the resulting hearing loss can severely restrict the patients' quality of life. Smaller injuries can be treated by applying silicone or paper strips—larger cracks even require tissue transplantation. However, the tissues can slip. Inflammation can lead to premature dissolution of the transplants or permanently impair the auditory canal as a result of scarring. Then, subsequent surgery becomes necessary, which puts the patient under renewed strain. In cooperation with the Saarland University Hospital, the INM has developed bioinspired adhesive structures for the treatment of eardrum injuries. The adhesive structures are now to be transferred into a biomedical product. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-04-eardrum-injuries-adhesive-medical-applications.html Medical research Wed, 17 Apr 2019 09:33:02 EDT news474712377 Electron microscopy is one of the main methods used to examine protein structure. Studying these structures is of key importance to elucidate their function feeding fundamental information into a number of fields such as structural biology, cell biology, cancer research, and other biomedical fields. It also enhances the understanding of biomineralization. https://phys.org/news/2018-12-proteins-imaged-graphene-liquid-cell.html Nanomaterials Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:58:54 EST news463654729 Earthworms are always clean, even if they come from moist, sticky soil. They owe this to a dirt-repellent, lubricating layer, which forms itself again and again on its skin. Researchers at INM have now artificially recreated this system of nature: They developed a material with a surface structure that provides itself with lubricant whenever pressure is applied. Because the lubricated material reduces friction and prevents the growth of microbes, scientists can envision numerous applications in industry and biomedicine. https://phys.org/news/2018-11-earthworms-material-lubricates.html Condensed Matter Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:28:57 EST news461237332 Scientists have developed a new adhesive structure that improves adhesion, even to rough surface. Adhesion is involved whenever industrial components are moved without leaving any residues behind. But the surfaces of these objects are never completely smooth. Even those surfaces that appear smooth to the human eye tend to be rough when observed under a microscope. Scientists at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials have developed a new adhesive structure ensuring adhesion, even to these types of rough surfaces. They determined that the combination of hard and soft materials adheres significantly better to rough surfaces compared to structures produced from only a single soft material. https://phys.org/news/2018-09-combination-hard-soft-materials-adhesion.html Materials Science Tue, 11 Sep 2018 09:32:54 EDT news455877169 For flexible electrodes, INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials is working with the process of electrospinning, a technique that produces ultra-fine fibers that are up to 100 times thinner than a human hair. These fibers are collected on glass or on foils in an unstructured, wide mesh net. When conductive materials are spun, flexible conductive transparent electrodes could be produced. These FTCEs have transparencies comparable to indium tin oxide with low haze less than two percent. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-low-haze-transparent-flexible-electrodes-electrospinning.html Engineering Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:39:35 EDT news411291567 Large quantities of steel are used in architecture, bridge construction and ship-building. Structures of this type are intended to be long-lasting. Furthermore, even in the course of many years, they should not lose any of their qualities regarding strength and safety. For this reason, the steel plates and girders used must have extensive and durable protection against corrosion. In particular, the steel is attacked by oxygen in the air, water vapor and salts. To prevent the corrosive substances from penetrating into the material, a common method is to create an anti-corrosion coating by applying paint layers of zinc-phosphate particles. Now, research scientists at INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials developed a special type of zinc-phosphate particles: They are flake-like in shape because they are 10 times as long as they are thick. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-corrosion-flake-type-particles-zinc-phosphate.html Engineering Wed, 12 Apr 2017 08:51:30 EDT news411205880 Microscopically fine conductor paths are required on the surfaces of smartphone touchscreens. At the edges of the appliances, these microscopic circuit paths come together to form larger connective pads. Until now, these different conductive paths had to be manufactured in several steps in time-consuming processes. With photochemical metallization, this is now possible in one single step on flexible substrates. The process has several benefits: It is fast, flexible, variable in size, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Additional process steps for post-treatment are not necessary. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-silver-circuits-foil-touchscreens.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:13:50 EDT news411120820 When processing milk and juice, the food industry uses heat exchangers in numerous steps throughout the process. To protect consumers, heat exchangers have to be free from microbes. In the numerous grooves and recesses of the heat exchanger, persistent biofilms can remain stuck. As a result, heat exchangers must be cleaned at regular intervals using aggressive chemicals. These increase the sensitivity for corrosion, especially if mild steel is used as heat exchanger material. Now the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials is introducing new nano-coatings that reduce the effort required for cleaning heat exchangers and preventing corrosion. In these new coatings, the research scientists combine antiadhesive, anticorrosive and antimicrobial properties. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-nano-coatings-anti-adhesive-anti-corrosive-antimicrobial-effect.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:13:30 EDT news411120800 Research scientists at INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials have developed a new type of hybrid inks which allows electronic circuits to be applied to paper directly from a pen. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-hybrid-inks-flexible-electronics-sintering.html Engineering Mon, 10 Apr 2017 08:36:39 EDT news411032191 Transparent electronics devices are present in today's thin film displays, solar cells, and touchscreens. The future will bring flexible versions of such devices. Their production requires printable materials that are transparent and remain highly conductive even when deformed. Researchers at INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials have combined a new self-assembling nano ink with an imprint process to create flexible conductive grids with a resolution below one micrometer. https://phys.org/news/2016-07-self-assembling-nano-inks-transparent-grids.html Nanomaterials Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:47:19 EDT news388738028 The research scientists at INM have succeeded in manufacturing circuit paths on thin, elastic foil made of silicone. Since these are relatively insensitive to compression and elongation strain, the electrical circuits can adapt to the curvature of appliances. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-combination-materials-state-of-the-art-elastic-circuits.html Engineering Fri, 15 Apr 2016 09:31:14 EDT news379931465 Large quantities of steel are used in architecture, bridge construction and ship-building. Structures of this type are intended to be long-lasting. Furthermore, even in the course of many years, they must not lose any of their qualities regarding strength and safety. For this reason, the steel plates and girders used must have extensive and durable protection against corrosion. In particular, the steel is attacked by oxygen in the air, water vapor and salts. Nowadays, various techniques are used to prevent the corrosive substances from penetrating into the material. One common method is to create an anti-corrosion coating by applying layers of zinc-phosphate. Now, research scientists at INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials developed a special type of zinc-phosphate nanoparticles. In contrast to conventional, spheroidal zinc-phosphate nanoparticles, the new nanoparticles are flake-like. They are ten times as long as they are thick. As a result of this anisotropy, the penetration of gas molecules into the metal is slowed down. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-flake-like-nanoparticles-reliable-rust.html Nanomaterials Thu, 14 Apr 2016 08:50:01 EDT news379840498 When processing milk and juice, the food industry is required to maintain high standards of hygiene. This includes keeping the number of microbes at a minimum during the whole process so that there is no risk to the consumer. Heat exchangers are used in numerous steps throughout the process. In spite of the fact that the large surface in the heat exchangers cools down the heated, liquid foodstuffs again quickly, microbes can remain stuck in the numerous grooves and recesses of the heat exchanger, persistent biofilms can form or sticky residues accumulate. As a result, heat exchangers must be cleaned at regular intervals using aggressive chemicals. Now the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials is introducing new nano-coatings that reduce the effort required for cleaning heat exchangers. In these new coatings, the research scientists combine antiadhesive and antimicrobial qualities. Heat exchangers coated with these paints require intensive cleaning far less often. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-nano-paint-foodstuffs.html Materials Science Thu, 14 Apr 2016 08:40:01 EDT news379840474 Research scientists at INM - Leibniz-Institute for New Materials have developed luminous particles that can also withstand high temperatures. When activated by UV light or x-rays, they glow orange red. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-transparent-luminous-pigments-high-temperature.html Engineering Tue, 12 Apr 2016 09:00:02 EDT news379668692 Research scientists at INM have combined the benefits of organic and inorganic electronic materials in a new type of hybrid inks. This allows electronic circuits to be applied to paper directly from a pen, for example. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-hybrid-inks-flexible-electronics-sintering.html Nanomaterials Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:40:02 EDT news379668613 Components with highly sensitive surfaces are used in automotive, semiconductor, display and optical technologies. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-robotic-surface-sensitive-devices-dimension.html Engineering Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:00:01 EDT news379581735 In order for touchscreens on smartphones and tablets to function, microscopically fine conductor paths are required on their surfaces. When the users' fingers tip on or wipe over them, electrical circuits open and close, thus making the different functions of the smartphone possible. At the edges of the appliances, these microscopic circuit paths come together to form larger conductive paths. Until now, these different conductive paths had to be manufactured in several steps in time-consuming processes. The research scientists at INM – Leibniz-Institute for New Materials are now presenting a new process that, in a single step, allows manufacture of conductive paths that are just a few micrometers in width on carrier materials such as glass but also on flexible foils. On plastic foil, in particular, manufacture using the roll-to-roll process thus becomes particularly efficient. As a result, new designs for appliances with flexible or even rollable displays will be possible. https://phys.org/news/2016-04-photochemical-metallization-touchscreens.html Nanomaterials Mon, 11 Apr 2016 08:50:01 EDT news379581700 The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials has joined forces with a manufacturer of analytical equipment to reduce particles losses and avoid false negatives. https://phys.org/news/2016-03-optimized-analytics-false-negatives-nanoparticles.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 23 Mar 2016 09:02:06 EDT news377942519 Scientists at the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials have found out that the protein haemoglobin influences the aggregation of individual gold nanoparticles to form clumps. https://phys.org/news/2016-02-small-clumps-body-nanoparticles-react.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:05:55 EST news374749540 During production, these parts have to be handled repeatedly by pick-and-place processes. The proprietary Gecomer principle reduces the risk of surface contamination with residues, and of mechanical damage due to gripping. In their latest version, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) have improved the adhesive force in their Gecomer structures up to 20 kg per 25 cm2. Within these new findings, it will be possible to use the same gripper for heavy, robust and lightweight, sensitive devices. These innovations will open up new avenues for Industry 4.0. https://phys.org/news/2016-01-robotic-surface-sensitive-devices-dimension.html Materials Science Tue, 19 Jan 2016 09:13:12 EST news372417185 Mobile phones and smart phones still haven't been adapted to the carrying habits of their users. That much is clear to anyone who has tried sitting down with a mobile phone in their back pocket: the displays of the innumerable phones and pods are rigid and do not yield to the anatomical forms adopted by the people carrying them. By now it is no longer any secret that the big players in the industry are working on flexible displays. How to produce cost efficient suitable coatings for that will be demonstrated by the developments of the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials at the International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference nano tech 2016, Tokyo, Japan. https://phys.org/news/2016-01-one-step-transparent-patterned-flexible-touchscreen.html Engineering Tue, 19 Jan 2016 09:12:49 EST news372417162 Digital X-ray systems have become a vital part of health care. The analog X-ray film of the past has been replaced by digital flat panel detectors. Today's detectors are sensitive but quite expensive and have limited resolution. Now, scientists collaborating in project HOP-X have succeeded in developing new materials for detectors: they embedded ceramic particles in a conductive plastic. The components of these "composite detectors" can be stirred into a solvent and then applied like paint by spraying. This means that, in future, it might be possible to manufacture X-ray detectors inexpensively and on a large scale with greater image resolution. https://phys.org/news/2015-12-ceramic-particles-digital-x-ray-plates.html Optics & Photonics Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:00:01 EST news368268418 When purifying waste water, chemical reactions are used or it is subjected to elaborate filtering methods to remove salts and heavy metals. Now scientists in Saarbrücken are working on a desalination method which does not require the addition of chemicals and which is highly energy-efficient: in the process known as capacitive de-ionization (CDI), electrodes are used to extract the ions from the water and collect them on the electrodes. The result is clean water and ions which have been enriched on the electrodes. This environmentally friendly process can even be used to generate electricity: emissions such as carbon dioxide are also suited to generating electrical energy when they are dissolved in water as ions. https://phys.org/news/2015-10-nanocarbons-chemicals-electricity.html Materials Science Fri, 16 Oct 2015 07:41:09 EDT news364200058 Visible security features on automotive spare parts represent a seal of quality for manufacturers and consumers. They guarantee that spare parts are original. Whereas for the driver original parts mean a lower risk of an accident, the proof that they are original protects the manufacturer from any claims for compensation which are brought on the basis of counterfeit products. In the case of spare parts that are subjected to high stresses, such markings wear off too quickly. At this year's IAA, INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials will be unveiling methods and materials which can be used to ensure that security markings remain visible for a long time even when parts are dirty or subjected to high stresses. It will present its results in cooperation with automotive.saarland in Hall 4.0 at Stand D27. https://phys.org/news/2015-09-glassy-counterfeit-imitations-high-strength.html Engineering Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:20:03 EDT news361004755 Today's car enthusiasts have a diverse range of requirements: popular issues that concern them include safety in the vehicle, a good driving experience, a powerful engine and sophisticated technology. If drivers want to make an impression with their vehicle, decorative elements such as coloured wheel rims, brake calipers, exhausts, footboards or bodywork and engine components are increasingly being added. In an ideal scenario, it is possible to combine decorative coatings with protection from corrosion and wear. INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials will be presenting such coatings at this year's IAA International Motor Show. It will present its results in cooperation with automotive.saarland in Hall 4.0 at Stand D27. https://phys.org/news/2015-09-glass-like-coatings-automotive-combine-beautiful.html Engineering Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:10:01 EDT news361004732 Fabricators and processors alike demand consistently high quality for their intermediate and final products. The properties of these goods usually also have to meet specific requirements. Particularly the surfaces of workpieces or mouldings are expected to exhibit several different functions at one and the same time, depending on the industry. Robustness, unchanging appearance, mar resistance, impact resistance or UV stability may be required, for instance. The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials uses nanoparticles as design element for such multifunctional coatings. These nanoparticles are specifically adapted to the particular application by Small Molecule Surface Modification (SMSM). https://phys.org/news/2015-06-surface-modified-nanoparticles-endow-coatings-combined.html Nanomaterials Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:50:02 EDT news352541280 Machine parts wear, if there is friction between their metal surfaces. Lubricants and functional oils help prevent this. They attract dirt, debris and dust, and over time form lumps or become resinous. Machine parts then have to be intensively cleaned and regreased, which leads to more frequent maintenance, greater consumption of resources, polluting waste or machine breakdowns. Researchers at the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials have now developed a functional coating which lubricates without grease and protects against corrosion at the same time. It is suitable as a coating for metals and metal alloys such as steel, aluminum or magnesium. https://phys.org/news/2015-06-friction-coating-grease-free-lubrication-corrosion.html Materials Science Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:40:02 EDT news352541178 Hygienic conditions and sterile procedures are particularly important in hospitals, kitchens and sanitary facilities, air conditioning and ventilation systems, in food preparation and in the manufacture of packaging material. In these areas, bacteria and fungi compromise the health of both consumers and patients. Researchers at the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials have now produced antimicrobial abrasion-resistant coatings with both silver and copper colloids with a long-term effect that kill germs reliably and at the same time prevent germs becoming established. The coatings are particularly suitable for the application on large and solid surfaces, on doorhandles and for textiles. https://phys.org/news/2015-06-anti-microbial-coatings-long-term-effect-surfaces.html Materials Science Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:30:01 EDT news352541097