title: Polymeric actuators for biological applications.
abstract: To shed light on the role of cell rheology and mechanotransduction in various physiological and disease states, different techniques of force application, such as optical tweezers and deformable substrates, are employed. In this present paper we describe a new approach for the deformation of cells based on the temperature-sensitive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAM. In response to temperature changes, PNIPAM gels undergo extensive and reversible changes in volume that allow them to be used as actuators for stretching and compressing cells and tissues. Herein we focus mainly on our experience with the deformation of red blood cells as proof of principle, and demonstrate the wealth of possibilities such stimuli-responsive materials may offer as actuators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37070 Göttingen, Germany. apelah@gwdg.de
authors.forename: Avishay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pelah
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Jovin
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004907:Erythrocyte Deformability / Q000502:physiology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008863:Microspheres; D013696:Temperature; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide