Einstülpungsstrukturen

Einstülpungsstrukturen (German for "inward folding structures") refer to structural features where components of a material or system indent, fold, or curl inward. In biological contexts, such structures are prevalent in cellular organelles and membranes, enabling increased surface area for functions like protein synthesis (e.g., the folded membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum) or waste processing (e.g., lysosomal invaginations). In materials science, they are engineered in metals, polymers, and composites through processes like cold rolling or thermal treatment to enhance mechanical strength, porosity, or thermal conductivity. These inward folds serve as a fundamental design principle across natural and artificial systems, optimizing functionality by maximizing surface interactions or distributing stress. The concept bridges disciplines, illustrating how internal indentation can drive efficiency in both biological evolution and technological innovation.