Triggered disassembly and reassembly of actin networks induces rigidity phase transitions.

ABSTRACT: Non-equilibrium soft materials, such as networks of actin proteins, have been intensely investigated over the past decade due to their promise for designing smart materials and understanding cell mechanics. However, current methods are unable to measure the time-dependent mechanics of such systems or map mechanics to the corresponding dynamic macromolecular properties. Here, we present an experimental approach that combines time-resolved optical tweezers microrheology with diffusion-controlled microfluidics to measure the time-evolution of microscale mechanical properties of dynamic systems during triggered activity. We use these methods to measure the viscoelastic moduli of entangled and crosslinked actin networks during chemically-triggered depolymerization and repolymerization of actin

SUBMITTER: Gurmessa BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6486790 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature