Actin gels formed by polymerizing monomeric actin have been studied by use of small amplitude oscillatory deformations and steady shear flow. The length of actin filaments within the gel was varied by copolymerization in the presence of the filament-capping protein gelsolin. The results for short filaments are in qualitative agreement with a model for semi-dilute solutions of inter-penetrating rods. Long filaments give rise to additional motions, believed to be flexing of rods. Steady shear viscosities, at high shear rates, are independent of initial filament length. Results are explained as due to breaking of filaments in shear flows.
机构:
Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, JapanDepartment of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan