Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
07:19
Protocol for Biofilm Streamer Formation in a Microfluidic Device with Micro-pillars
Published on: August 20, 2014
Coupling between protein-laden films and a shearing bulk flow.
A N Azadani1, J M Lopez, A H Hirsa
1Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA. nejata@rpi.edu
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|April 1, 2008
Summary
Shearing flow enhances two-dimensional protein crystallization conditions and speed. Intermittent shearing reveals significant, non-uniform surface shear viscosity in protein films, unlike continuous shearing.
Area of Science:
- Interfacial phenomena
- Protein crystallization
- Fluid dynamics
Background:
- Two-dimensional protein crystallization on lipid monolayers is limited by restricted conditions and slow kinetics.
- Shearing flow has been shown to extend crystallization conditions and accelerate the process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coupling between protein-laden films and the bulk shearing flow.
- To determine the surface shear viscosity of protein films under different flow conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stationary open cylinder with a rotating floor to generate bulk flow.
- Employed the Boussinesq-Scriven surface model coupled with Navier-Stokes equations.
Main Results:
- Surface shear viscosity of protein films is negligible under constant shearing flow.
- Significant and non-uniform surface shear viscosity is observed when the film is intermittently sheared.
Conclusions:
- Continuous shearing flow does not significantly impact the surface shear viscosity of protein films.
- Intermittent shearing is crucial for observing and quantifying the surface shear viscosity of protein films, revealing non-uniformity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Couette Flow
Couette flow represents the flow of fluid between two parallel plates, with one plate fixed and the other moving with a constant velocity. This configuration allows for a simplified analysis using the Navier-Stokes equations, which govern fluid motion under conditions of viscosity and incompressibility. For Couette flow, the assumptions include a steady, laminar, incompressible flow with a zero-pressure gradient in the flow direction. This flow type is beneficial for understanding shear-driven...
01:17Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Understanding steady, laminar flow between parallel plates is essential for analyzing and designing flow in narrow rectangular channels, commonly found in various water conveyance and drainage systems. The Navier-Stokes equations govern fluid motion and are generally challenging to solve due to their nonlinearity. However, simplifications are possible in certain cases, like the steady laminar flow between parallel plates. For this scenario, we assume steady, incompressible, laminar flow.
01:24Protein Diffusion in the Membrane
Proteins show rotational as well as lateral diffusion across the membrane. The lateral diffusion of proteins was confirmed through the cell fusion experiment where mouse and human cells were fused, resulting in hybrid cells. When the human and mouse cells fused, the specific membrane proteins on human and mouse cells were marked with the red and green-fluorescent markers, respectively. Initially, the red and green fluorescence was located on the respective hemisphere of the cell. As time...