PUBLICATIONS

2026

48. B. Miller Naranjo, B. N. Balzer & O. Lieleg*

Alterations in the Molecular Configuration of Mucin Glycoproteins Entail a Loss of Lubricity

Tribol. Lett., 74, 13 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-025-02098-6

2025

47. D. Huang, T. Hugel, B. N. Balzer & G. Reiter*

Temperature Dependence of Crystal Melt Coexistence for Supported Polyethylene Filaments

Nat. Commun., 16, 11127 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67465-2

46. N. Ranjan, Z. Izadi, P. Gaiser, M. B. Camarada, R. Sharma, A. Weber, M. Daub, Q. Hu, M. Fiederle, L. Mayrhofer, M. Moseler, A. Fischer*, M. Walter*, B. Esser* & B. N. Balzer*

Contact Electrification via Redox-Active Molecules

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., e10031 (2025), https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202510031

45. J. Kim, B. N. Balzer, M. Gallei* & S. Witayakran*

Electrochemical Switching of Metallopolymer-Functionalized Indium Tin Oxide Derived by Cu0-Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

ACS Appl. Polym. Mater., 18, 7, 12831 (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.5c02861

44. M. I. Feldhof, R. Schlatterer, F. Strahl, J. Garthe, S. Prévost, S. Schmidt, M. Karg, B. N. Balzer* & Laura Hartmann*

Highly Branched Sulfated Glycopolymers as Mucin Mimetics

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 147, 36, 32698 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c08232

43. C.-H. Stamp, A. Groß. A. Beato Irulegui, B. N. Balzer & C. Calvino*

Orthogonal and Multiresponsive Quinolinone Systems for Reversible and Recyclable Polymer Networks

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 147, 36, 32830 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c08976

42. A. Pradhan, M. H. Müser, N. Miller, […], B. N. Balzer, […], W. Cai, […], L. Pastewka* & T. D. B. Jacobs*

The Surface-Topography Challenge: A Multi-Laboratory Benchmark Study to Advance the Characterization of Topography

Tribol. Lett., 73, 110 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-025-02014-y

Press release

Official website

41. A. Resch, M. C. Huber, A. Resch, A. Schreiber, T. Lapp, J. Dittrich, F. Eisen, A. J. Michalec, V. Planz, A. Kolberg, M. Tschaikowsky, D. Böhringer, M. Windbergs, T. Reinhard, B. Rolauffs, B. N. Balzer, G. Schlunck & S. M. Schiller*

Bioinspired Design of a Wet-Adhesive Cornea Glue Based on Recombinant Human Protein Networks

Adv. Funct. Mater., e17275 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202517275

40. S. Pusse, B.-J. Niebuur, T. Kraus, V. Presser, B. N. Balzer* & M. Gallei*
Synthesis and self-assembly of pore-forming three-arm amphiphilic block copolymers
Macromol. Rapid Commun., 46(12), 2500077 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500077

39. R. Schlatterer, M. Marczynski, B. Hermann, O. Lieleg & B. N. Balzer*

Unfolding of von Willebrand factor type D like domains promotes mucin adhesion

Nano Lett., 25 (5), 1765 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03088

2024

38. V. Davis, S. Frielingsdorf, Q. Hu, P. Elsäßer, B. N. Balzer, O. Lenz, I. Zebger & A. Fischer

Ultrathin film antimony-doped tin oxide prevents [NiFe] hydrogenase inactivation at high electrode potentials

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 16 (34), 44802 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c08218

37. F. Hartmann, R. Dockhorn, S. Pusse, B.-J. Niebuur, M. Koch, T. Kraus, A. Schießer, B. N. Balzer & M. Gallei*

Design and self-assembly of second-generation dendrimer-like block copolymers

Macromolecules, 57 (15), 7098 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c00944

2023

36. M. Lallemang, C. O. Akintayo, C. Wenzel, W. Chen, L. Sielaff, A. Ripp, H. J. Jessen, B. N. Balzer, A. Walther* & T. Hugel*

Hierarchical mechanical transduction of precision-engineered DNA hydrogels with sacrificial bonds

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15 (51), 59714 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15135

35. K. Dai, M. D. Pol, L. Saile, A. Sharma, B. Liu, R. Thomann, J. L. Trefs, D. Qiu, S. Moser, S. Wiesler, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel, H. J. Jessen & C. G. Pappas*

Spontaneous and selective peptide elongation in water driven by aminoacyl phosphate esters and phase changes

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 145 (48), 26086 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c07918

34. M. Ibrahim, C. Wenzel, M. Lallemang, B. N. Balzer* & N. Schwierz*

Adsorbing DNA to mica by cations: influence of valency and ion type

Langmuir, 39 (44), 15553 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01835

33. F. J. Gatti*, W. Cai, R. Herzog, A. Gharavian, A. Kailer, N. Baltes, P. Rabenecker, P. Mörchel, B. N. Balzer*, T. Amann & J. Rühe

Investigation of programmable friction with ionic liquid mixtures at the nano- and macroscales

Lubricants, 11(9), 376 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants11090376

32. W. Cai, M. Jäger, J. T. Bullerjahn, T. Hugel, S. Wolf* & B. N. Balzer*
Anisotropic friction in a ligand-protein complex
Nano Lett., 23 (10), 4111 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04632

Press release (German)

Press release (English)

30. W. Cai, J. L. Trefs, T. Hugel & B. N. Balzer*

Anisotropy of π–π stacking as basis for superlubricity

ACS Mater. Lett., 5 (1), 172 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.2c00974

2022

29. M. Marczynski, T. M. Lutz, R. Schlatterer, M. Henkel, B. N. Balzer & O. Lieleg*

Contamination with black carbon nanoparticles alters the selective permeability of mucin hydrogels: Implications for molecular transport across mucosal barriers

ACS Appl. Nano Mater., 5 (11), 16955 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.2c03887

28. L. Gemmer, Q. Hu, B. Niebuur, T. Kraus, B. N. Balzer & M. Gallei*

A block copolymer templated approach for the preparation of nanoporous polymer structures and cellulose fiber hybrids by ozone treatment

Polym. Chem., 13, 4028 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00562J

27. M. Tschaikowsky, S. Brander, V. Barth, R. Thomann, B. Rolauffs, B. N. Balzer* & T. Hugel*
The articular cartilage surface is impaired by a loss of thick collagen fibers and formation of type I collagen in early osteoarthritis
Acta Biomaterialia, 146, 274 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.036

26. W. Cai, J. T. Bullerjahn, M. Lallemang, K. Kroy, B. N. Balzer* & T. Hugel*
Angle-dependent strength of a single chemical bond by stereographic force spectroscopy
Chem. Sci., 13, 5734 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC01077A

25. A. Goralczyk, M. Zhu, F. Mayoussi, M. Lallemang, M. Tschaikowsky, A. Warmbold, S. Caliaro, F. Tauber, B. N. Balzer, F. Kotz-Helmer, D. Helmer* & B. E. Rapp
Study of repellence on polymeric surfaces with two individually adjustable pore hierarchies
Chemical Engineering Journal, 135287 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.135287

24. M. Lallemang, L. Yu, W. Cai, K. Rischka, A. Hartwig, R. Haag, T. Hugel* & B. N. Balzer*

Multivalent non-covalent interactions lead to strongest polymer adhesion

Nanoscale, 14, 3768 (2022). https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D1NR08338D

23. A. Baldwin, M. Hartl, M. Tschaikowsky, B.N. Balzer & B. W. Booth*
Degradation and release of tannic acid from an injectable tissue regeneration bead matrix in vivo
J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 110, 1165 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.34990

22. F. V. Frieß, Q. Hu, J. Mayer, L. Gemmer, V. Presser, B. N. Balzer* & M. Gallei*
Nanoporous block copolymer membranes with enhanced solvent resistance via UV-mediated cross-linking strategies
Macromol. Rapid Commun., 43, 2100632 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202100632, Cover

2021
21. M. Tschaikowsky, T. Neumann, S. Brander, H. Haschke, B. Rolauffs, B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel*
Hybrid fluorescence-AFM explores articular surface degeneration in early osteoarthritis across length scales
Acta Biomaterialia, 126, 315 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.034

20. M. Tschaikowsky, M. Selig, S. Brander, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel* & B. Rolauffs*
Proof-of-concept for the detection of early osteoarthritis pathology by clinically applicable endomicroscopy and quantitative AI-supported optical biopsy
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 29 (2), 269 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2020.10.003

19. H. Wang, M. Lallemang, B. Hermann, C. Wallin, R. Loch, A. Blanc, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel & J. Luo*
ATP impedes the inhibitory effect of Hsp90 on Aβ40 fibrillation
J. Mol. Biol., 433 (2), 166717 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2020.11.016

2020
18. A. Kolberg, C. Wenzel, T. Hugel, M. Gallei & B. N. Balzer*
Covalent attachment of single molecules for AFM-based force spectroscopy
J. Vis. Exp., 157, e60934 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3791/60934
Video

17. M. Marczynski, B. N. Balzer, K. Jiang, T. M. Lutz, T. Crouzier & O. Lieleg*
Charged glycan residues critically contribute to the adsorption and lubricity of mucins
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 187, 110614 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110614

2019
16. A. Kolberg, C. Wenzel, K. Hackenstrass, R. Schwarzl, C. Rüttiger, T. Hugel, M. Gallei, R. R. Netz & B. N. Balzer*
Opposing temperature dependence of the stretching response of single PEG and PNiPAM polymers
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 141 (29), 11603 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b04383

15. H. Schäfer, A. Kolberg, M. Gockeln, R. Kun, B. N. Balzer & K. Koschek*
Influence of free PCL in PCL/PBA-a copolymers and blends on morphology, thermo-mechanical and shape memory properties
Polymer Testing, 77, 105888 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2019.05.004

2017
14. B. Winkeljann, K. Boettcher, B. N. Balzer & O. Lieleg*
Mucin coatings prevent tissue damage at the cornea-contact lens interface
Adv. Mater. Interfaces, 4 (19), 1700186 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201700186

2016
13. B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel*
Single-molecule detection and manipulation. In: Saleem Hashmi (editor-in-chief)
Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering, Elsevier, Oxford, pp. 1-19 (2016).

2014
12. B. N. Balzer, S. Kienle, M. Gallei, R. v. Klitzing, M. Rehahn & T. Hugel*
Stick-slip mechanisms at the nanoscale
Soft Materials, 12 (1), 106 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1080/1539445X.2014.945039

11. S. Kienle, M. Gallei, H. Yu, B. Zhang, S. Krysiak, B. N. Balzer, M. Rehahn, A. D. Schlüter & T. Hugel*
Effect of molecular architecture on single polymer adhesion
Langmuir, 30 (15), 4351 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1021/la500783n

10. J. Elbert, F. Krohm, C. Rüttiger, S. Kienle, H. Didzoleit, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel, B. Stühn, M. Gallei* & A. Brunsen*
Polymer-modified mesoporous silica thin films for redox-mediated selective membrane gating
Adv. Funct. Mater., 24 (11), 1591 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201302304

2013
9. B. N. Balzer, M. Gallei, K. Sondergeld, M. Schindler, P. Müller-Buschbaum, M. Rehahn & T. Hugel*
Cohesion mechanisms of polystyrene-based thin polymer films
Macromolecules, 46 (18), 7406 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1021/ma401173y

8. B. N. Balzer, S. Micciulla, S. Dodoo, M. Zerball, M. Gallei, M Rehahn, R. v. Klitzing & T. Hugel*
Adhesion property profiles of supported thin polymer films
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 5 (13), 6300 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1021/am4013424

7. B. N. Balzer, M. Gallei, M. Hauf, M. Stallhofer, L. Wiegleb, A. Holleitner, M. Rehahn & T. Hugel*
Nanoscale friction mechanisms at solid-liquid interfaces
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 52 (25), 6541 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201301255

6. B. N. Balzer, M. Gallei, M. Hauf, M. Stallhofer, L. Wiegleb, A. Holleitner, M. Rehahn & T. Hugel*
Reibungsmechanismen auf der Nanoskala an Fest-flüssig-Grenzflächen
Angew. Chem., 2013, 125, 6670 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201301255

5. S. Dodoo, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel, A. Laschewsky & R. v. Klitzing*
Effect of ionic strength and layer number on swelling of polyelectrolyte multilayers in water vapour
Soft Materials, 11 (2), 157 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1080/1539445X.2011.607203

4. B. N. Balzer & M. Gallei
Das reibt sich gut: Rasterkraftmikroskopie am Einzelmolekül
GIT Labor-Fachzeitschrift, 57, 710 (2013).

2012
3. N. Schwierz, D. Horinek, S. Liese, T. Pirzer, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel & R. R. Netz*
On the relationship between peptide adsorption resistance and surface contact angle: a combined experimental and simulation single-molecule study
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 134 (48), 19628 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1021/ja304462u

2. B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel*
Surface & Interface Characterization: Single molecule detection and manipulation
Polymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 629-645 (2012).

2009
1. M. Geisler, B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel*
Polymer adhesion at the solid-liquid interface probed by a single-molecule force sensor
Small, 5 (24), 2864 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.200901237

PUBLICATIONS

​2022

​

2021 21. M. Tschaikowsky, T. Neumann, S. Brander, H. Haschke, B. Rolauffs, B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel* Hybrid fluorescence-AFM explores articular surface degeneration in early osteoarthritis across length scales Acta Biomaterialia, 126, 315 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.034

2022

2021
21. M. Tschaikowsky, T. Neumann, S. Brander, H. Haschke, B. Rolauffs, B. N. Balzer & T. Hugel*
Hybrid fluorescence-AFM explores articular surface degeneration in early osteoarthritis across length scales
Acta Biomaterialia, 126, 315 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.034