Regensburg 2010 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help
BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 5: Posters: Biopolymers and Biomaterials
BP 5.36: Poster
Monday, March 22, 2010, 17:15–20:00, Poster B1
In situ actin bundling and network formation using microfluidics — Siddharth Deshpande1, Dagmar Steinhauser2, and •Thomas Pfohl1,2 — 1Chemistry Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland — 2Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen
The approach is to use microflow devices consisting of microchambers connected to a main channel through narrow connecting channels. High flow conditions can be achieved in the main channel to control the concentration and composition of aqueous solution while the transport within the microchambers and connecting channels is governed by diffusion. Rhodamine labeled actin monomers are used to form filamentous actin under appropriate conditions (KCl concentration). Once polymerized, the actin filaments formed inside the chamber will remain confined within it. The network formation can be induced in presence of cross-linking proteins. Fluorescence microscopy is used to study these phenomena. This in situ study will help us in understanding the mechanisms of bundle and network formation with increasing hierarchy and complexity.