Bacterial selection and control by the use of microdesigned architectures

C.A. CONDAT; I. BERDAKÍN; H.N. MOYANO CORTEZ; V.I. MARCONI

Santiago de Chile

Congreso; MEDYFINOL 2012; 2012

Comite Organizador MEDYFINOL

An interesting rectification effect has been recently observed in motile bacteria confined by specially designed asymmetric architectures. This effect, which is controlled by the interaction between the bacteria and the confining walls, opens the way for the design of microfluidic devices that can be used in the selection and accumulation of specific microorganisms. By simulating the dynamics of run-and-tumble self-propelled organisms, we show how the intensity of the rectification effect depends on the detailed dynamics of the individual microorganisms. We show, for instance, that the distribution of run lengths and the preservation of run orientation memory at the tumbles are important factors controlling the speed and efficiency of rectification and separation. Using realistic parameter values, we also show how bacterial strain separation can be achieved using a suitably built device.