7 research outputs found
The effect of replacing barley with glycerol in the diet of dairy cows on rumen parameters and milk fatty acid profile
Directing and Boosting of Cell Migration by the Entropic Force Gradient in Polymer Solution
Noncontact manipulation of nano/micromaterials
presents a great
challenge in fields ranging from biotechnology to nanotechnology.
In this study we developed a new strategy for the manipulation of
molecules and cells based on diffusiophoresis driven by a concentration
gradient of a polymer solute. By using laser focusing in a microfluidic
device, we created a sharp concentration gradient of polyÂ(ethylene
glycol) (PEG) in a solution of this polymer. Because diffusiophoresis
essentially depends on solute gradients alone, PEG solute contrast
resulted in trapping of DNA and eukaryotic cells with little material
dependence. Furthermore, quantitative analysis revealed that the motility
of migrating cells was enhanced with the PEG concentration, consistent
with a theoretical model of boosted cell migration. Our results support
that a solute contrast of polymer can exert an interfacial force gradient
that physically propels objects and may have application for the manipulation
of soft materials