Acquisition of equipment for direct observation of colloid attachment-detachment dynamics and direct measurement of colloid-substratum interaction and adhesion forces

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

0352482 Johnson This grant provides partial support for the acquisition of two instruments necessary for direct examination of colloidal attachment-detachment dynamics, and direct determination of colloid and substratum interactions: 1) a system combining a flow cell with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and image analysis capability (Flow-TIRFM); and 2) an electrochemical atomic force microscope (AFM) with TIRFM capability. The acquisition will enhance existing research and education projects in colloidal (bacterial) attachment-detachment dynamics in porous media, imaging of intercellular and appendageal molecular transport pathways, identification of structures associated with electron transport across oxide films, and quantification of interaction of macromolecules with inorganic surfaces, protein (or polymer)-surface interactions, and determination of the effects of these interactions on adhesion dynamics with various surfaces. Benefits to society include improved pathogen transport models for determination of rules for groundwater resource protection, improved drug delivery strategies, enhanced composite battery materials, and improved surface preparation technologies. ***