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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-05-767 |
| Date | 2009 May 1900 |
| Creators | Noel, John |
| Contributors | Teizer, Winfried |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Dissertation, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
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