Self-organized gels in DNA/F-actin mixtures without crosslinkers: networks of induced nematic domains with tunable density.
Phys Rev Lett 101:21 (2008) 218303
Abstract:
We examine mixtures of DNA and filamentous actin (F-actin) as a model system of like-charged rigid rods and flexible chains. Confocal microscopy reveals the formation of elongated nematic F-actin domains reticulated via defect-free vertices into a network embedded in a mesh of random DNA. Synchrotron x-ray scattering results indicate that the DNA mesh squeezes the F-actin domains into a nematic state with an interactin spacing that decreases with increasing DNA concentration as d(actin) proportional, variantrho(DNA)(-1/2). Interestingly, the system changes from a counterion-controlled regime to a depletion-controlled regime with added salt, with drastic consequences for the osmotic pressure induced phase behavior.Spontaneous flow states in active nematics: a unified picture
(2008)
Testing for Majorana Zero Modes in a Px+iPy Superconductor at High Temperature by Tunneling Spectroscopy
(2008)