Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
10:29
Multi-photon Intracellular Sodium Imaging Combined with UV-mediated Focal Uncaging of Glutamate in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons
Published on: October 8, 2014
trans-Sodium crocetinate and diffusion enhancement.
Amanda K Stennett1, Gail L Dempsey, John L Gainer
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4741, USA.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|September 15, 2006
Summary
trans-Sodium crocetinate (TSC) enhances glucose and oxygen diffusion in water by increasing molecular order. This effect is linked to strengthened hydrogen bonds within water molecules, facilitating faster transport in ordered regions.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- The transport of molecules like glucose and oxygen through aqueous environments is crucial for biological and chemical processes.
- Understanding factors that influence molecular diffusion coefficients is key to optimizing various applications.
- The role of specific chemical compounds in altering water structure and its impact on diffusion remains an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of trans-Sodium crocetinate (TSC) on the diffusion coefficients of glucose and oxygen in water.
- To explore the mechanism by which TSC influences molecular diffusivity.
- To determine the relationship between water structure modification and enhanced diffusion.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurement of diffusion coefficients for glucose and oxygen in aqueous solutions with and without TSC.
- Spectroscopic techniques to probe water structure and hydrogen bonding.
- Molecular dynamics simulations to model the behavior of water molecules and solutes in the presence of TSC.
Main Results:
- trans-Sodium crocetinate (TSC) was found to increase the diffusion coefficient of glucose in water by 25-30%.
- A similar percentage increase (25-30%) was observed for the diffusivity of oxygen in water when TSC was present.
- TSC was shown to induce structural ordering in water, characterized by increased hydrogen bonding among water molecules.
Conclusions:
- TSC significantly enhances the diffusion of both glucose and oxygen in aqueous media.
- The observed increase in diffusivity is attributed to TSC-induced ordering of water structure.
- Molecular simulations support the hypothesis that enhanced diffusion occurs specifically within these ordered water regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:32Secondary Active Transport
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
01:55Secondary Active Transport
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
01:09Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ
In situ experiments, such as the Doluisio method and Single-Pass Perfusion technique, provide critical insights into drug uptake by simulating in vivo conditions for drug absorption.
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
01:15Dialysis
Dialysis is a diffusion-based purification process that separates analyte molecules from a complex matrix. This is accomplished by allowing molecules in the solution to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a liquid on the other side. The membrane is usually made of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate, and the second liquid must be miscible with the solution. Ions (e.g., chloride or sodium) or organic molecules (e.g., glucose) can pass through the membrane pores, which generally have...
01:19Ionic Strength: Effects on Chemical Equilibria
The addition of an inert ionic compound increases the solubility of a sparingly soluble salt. For example, adding potassium nitrate to a saturated solution of calcium sulfate significantly enhances the solubility of calcium sulfate. Le Châtelier's principle cannot predict this shift in the equilibrium. Instead, this could be explained in terms of changes in the effective concentration of the ions in solution in the presence of added inert salt.
In this solution, the primary cation—the calcium...
In this solution, the primary cation—the calcium...
01:17Passive Diffusion: Overview and Kinetics
Passive diffusion is a critical process that allows small lipophilic drugs to cross the cell membrane along a concentration gradient. This mechanism's efficiency depends on four primary factors: the membrane's surface area, the drug's lipid-water partition coefficient, the concentration gradient, and the membrane's thickness.
When administered orally, drugs establish a substantial concentration gradient between the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen and the bloodstream, expediting their diffusion into...
When administered orally, drugs establish a substantial concentration gradient between the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen and the bloodstream, expediting their diffusion into...