Microtubule Patterning and Manipulation Using Electrophoresis and Self-Assembled Monolayers
Abstract
We developed new methods for controlling and studying microtubules (MTs) outside the
complex workings of the living cell. Several surface treatments for preventing MT
fouling on surfaces were analyzed and, for the first time, a self-assembled monolayer
(SAM) was developed which prevented MT adsorption in the absence of passivating
proteins. The morphology and thickness of the SAM was measured to determine the
mechanism of formation and origin of the MT-resistant behavior. The SAM was
integrated into electron beam lithography for patterning and manipulating MTs using
electrophoresis. Reversible MT adsorption and patterning and alignment of single MTs
were achieved. We characterized the mechanism for the MT migration under electric
field with a focus on the electrodynamics of the flow cell and the forces acting on the
MT, along with the time dependence of the process.
Subject
microtubulekinesin
self-assembled monolayer
tubulin
self-assembly
protein patterning
nanolithography
bioNEMS
nanobiotechnology
bionanotechnology
cytoskeleton
Alzheimer's
motor protein
biofilament
Citation
Noel, John (2009). Microtubule Patterning and Manipulation Using Electrophoresis and Self-Assembled Monolayers. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2009 -05 -767.