Mareike Zink

Prof. Dr. Mareike Zink is an Associate Professor at the Soft Matter Physics/Cell Biophysics Institute at the University of Leipzig. She leads the 'Biotechnology and Biomedicine' research group, focusing on the physics of cells and tissues for biomedical applications.

Her research investigates how surface properties influence cell adhesion and tissue organization, employing microscopy techniques and force spectroscopy methods. Key projects include studying neuronal tissue mechanics to understand eye diseases and developmental changes in tissue mechanics related to tumor growth.

Significant research projects include:

• MUDIplex platform development for cellular biomechanics monitoring (2018-2020)
• Dynamic mechanical manipulation of cells using magnetic strain (2013-2023)
• Biomimetic collagen models for cancer research (2021-ongoing)
• Premature lung mechanics study (2020-ongoing)

Her work has pioneered methods to replace animal experiments with ex vivo tissue models.