title: Non-Newtonian viscosity of Escherichia coli suspensions.
abstract: The viscosity of an active suspension of E. coli bacteria is determined experimentally as a function of the shear rate using a Y-shaped microfluidic channel. From the relative suspension viscosity, we identify rheological thickening and thinning regimes as well as situations at low shear rate where the viscosity of the bacteria suspension can be lower than the viscosity of the suspending fluid. In addition, bacteria concentration and velocity profiles in the bulk are directly measured in the microchannel.
authors.affiliation: PMMH-ESPCI, UMR 7636 CNRS-ESPCI-Universities Pierre et Marie Curie and Denis Diderot, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France.
authors.forename: Jérémie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gachelin
authors.forename: Gastón
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Miño
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berthet
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lindner
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rousselet
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Clément
mesh_terms: D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D008954:Models, Biological; D012212:Rheology; D013535:Suspensions; D013550:Swimming; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D013535:Suspensions