Optimization of isopolar microtubule arrays

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Isopolar arrays of aligned cytoskeletal filaments are components in a number of designs of hybrid nanodevices incorporating biomolecular motors. For example, a combination of filament arrays and motor arrays can form an actuator or a molecular engine resembling an artificial muscle. Here, isopolar arrays of microtubules are fabricated by flow alignment, and their quality is characterized by their degree of alignment. We find, in agreement with our analytical models, that the degree of alignment is ultimately limited by thermal forces, while the kinetics of the alignment process are influenced by the flow strength, the microtubule stiffness, the gliding velocity, and the tip length. Strong flows remove microtubules from the surface and reduce the filament density, suggesting that there is an optimal flow strength for the fabrication of ordered arrays.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)2265-2272
Seitenumfang8
FachzeitschriftLangmuir
Jahrgang29
Ausgabenummer7
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 19 Feb. 2013
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 84874033907
ORCID /0000-0002-0750-8515/work/142235533

Schlagworte

Forschungsprofillinien der TU Dresden

Schlagwörter

  • Algorithms, Kinetics, Microtubules