Active Transport of Particles within Biopolymer Solutions

The active motion of micro and nanometer-sized particles within complex fluids is relevant for a range of issues--including intracellular transport, navigation of viruses through mucus, and development of self-healing plastics. We integrated a standard optical microscope with a pair of coils, which can be used to create uniform magnetic field and field gradient. The set-up allows us to investigate both diffusion and directed motion of super-paramagnetic particles within polymer solutions and gels. The implementation of the platform and results from some of our preliminary experiments will be presented.