Isopolar actin filament pathways using AC electrokinetic pump

To demonstrate unidirectional transport using actomyosin system in vitro, polarized F-actin pathway is essential. Polarized F-actin pathway whose ends are immobilized using biotinylated actin-capping proteins on a surface can provide directional movement of myosin coated microbeads. Creating polarized F-actin pathway requires the generation of proper flows in which flow speed and direction in high ionic solution is critical. In the present work, various AC electrokinetic pump designs are investigated to create a flow field in a microchannel. Moreover, the polarity of F-actin is determined using SEM. Once these two techniques are established, it will help the development of a device utilizing actomyosin system. This investigation will lay foundation for the future applications of autonomous transport and actuation systems, whether biological or synthetic in nature at nanoscale.