Biomacromolecules and interactions with linker molecules in hydrodynamically focused flow

• Applicant: Dr. Thomas Pfohl
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2004 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5425292

We are interested in the microscopic behaviour of flexible and biomacromolecules and their interactions with linker molecules in a focusing device. Using fluorescence microscopy illuminated by stroboscopic laser we want to study individual flexible DNA and semi-flexible actin macromolecules dilute, semi-dilute, and concentrated solutions in extensional flow. Furthermore, linker molecules, such as multivalent ions and proteins, to these macromolecules, the time evolution of the association, bundling, and network may be observed. Apart from fundamental investigations on the dynamics macromolecules under extensional flow, this method enables time resolved studies protein-protein interactions of a few individual molecules.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1164: Nano- and Microfluidics: Bridging the Gap between Molecular Motion and Continuum Flow