Microchannel systems in titanium and silicon for structural and mechanical studies of aligned protein self-assemblies

Langmuir. 2005 Apr 26;21(9):3910-4. doi: 10.1021/la0476175.

Abstract

We report a technique for the alignment of self-assembled protein systems, such as F-actin bundles and microtubules, in a surface-modified titanium or silicon microfluidic device. Assembling filamentous protein systems in a confined geometry produces highly aligned samples for structural and mechanical studies. Biomolecular self-assembly can be investigated in a controlled fashion under different molecular concentration gradients and conditions along a channel length. We have shown that surface-modified devices produced via a high aspect ratio etch process in titanium and silicon can be used to confine and control such macromolecular assemblies and present examples of F-actin bundles and microtubules in this system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Microchemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Titanium
  • Silicon