Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
07:11
Biofilm Removal Using Carbon Dioxide Aerosols without Nitrogen Purge
Published on: November 6, 2016
6.7K
CO2-Driven diffusiophoresis for maintaining a bacteria-free surface.
Suin Shim1, Sepideh Khodaparast2, Ching-Yao Lai3
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. sshim@princeton.edu hastone@princeton.edu.
Soft Matter
|January 30, 2021
Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolution drives diffusiophoresis, a particle movement phenomenon, in aqueous solutions. This study demonstrates CO2-driven diffusiophoresis in colloidal particles and various bacteria, showing potential for anti-biofouling applications.
Area of Science:
- * Physical Chemistry
- * Microbiology
- * Colloid Science
Background:
- * Dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water creates ion gradients.
- * These gradients can induce diffusiophoresis, the movement of charged particles in response to solute gradients.
- * Diffusiophoresis has been observed for colloidal particles but less is known about its effect on microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate and characterize carbon dioxide (CO2)-driven diffusiophoresis in colloidal particles and bacterial cells.
- * To differentiate CO2-driven diffusiophoresis from chemotaxis in bacteria.
- * To explore potential applications of bacterial diffusiophoresis.
Main Methods:
- * Experiments conducted in a circular Hele-Shaw geometry with dissolving CO2 sources.
- * Measurement of colloidal particle velocities as a function of distance from CO2 sources.
- * Observation and analysis of bacterial cell migration patterns (V. cholerae, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) near CO2 sources.
- * Model calculations to determine characteristic length and time scales.
Main Results:
- * CO2-driven diffusiophoresis was confirmed for both colloidal particles and bacterial cells.
- * Bacterial migration was identified as diffusiophoresis, not chemotaxis, irrespective of cell motility or Gram staining.
- * Characteristic length and time scales of CO2-driven diffusiophoresis were established in relation to system dimensions and CO2 diffusivity.
- * The directional response of bacteria to CO2 gradients was independent of cell shape and motility.
Conclusions:
- * CO2-driven diffusiophoresis is a significant phenomenon affecting both synthetic particles and diverse bacterial species.
- * This mechanism provides a novel way to control microbial populations, independent of traditional chemotaxis.
- * Potential applications include developing cleaning systems and anti-biofouling surfaces by leveraging bacterial diffusiophoresis to reduce cell populations near CO2 sources.
More Related Videos
12:32Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Porous Media Across Spatial Scales
Published on: November 25, 2020
6.8K
07:57Taking Advantage of Reduced Droplet-surface Interaction to Optimize Transport of Bioanalytes in Digital Microfluidics
Published on: November 10, 2014
8.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
2.0K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.0K
01:20Gas Exchange and Transport
75.1K
Gas exchange, the intake of molecular oxygen (O2) from the environment and the outflow of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment, is necessary for cellular function. Gas exchange during respiration occurs largely via the movement of gas molecules along pressure gradients. Gas travels from areas of higher partial pressure to areas of lower partial pressure. In mammals, gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, which are adjacent to capillaries and share a membrane with them.
75.1K
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
760
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
760
00:46Bioremediation
21.7K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
21.7K
01:24External and Internal Respiration
6.2K
External respiration occurs in the lungs, and it is the first step in the journey of oxygen inside the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and diffuses across the thin alveolar membrane. The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs that provide a vast surface area for gas exchange. Oxygen in the alveoli has a higher partial pressure (105 mmHg) than in the adjacent pulmonary capillaries (40 mmHg), establishing a pressure gradient. As a result, oxygen molecules move from the alveoli into the...
6.2K
01:29Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth
1.2K
Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
1.2K