Nano- & Microfluidics:

Dynamics and transport of individual flexible and semiflexible biomacromolecules will be studied in simple micro- and nanofluidic flow. Concurrent diffusive intermixing of cross-linking molecules by hydrodynamic focusing enables investigations of the aggregation, bunding, and network formation of these biomacromolecules. These experiments will provide insights into the compaction of DNA as well as into the formation of action bundles and networks. Furthermore, generating periodic flow fields, the influence of hydrodynamic stress on the aggregation process as well as the elastic properties of these materials can be tested. Apart from fundamental investigations on the dynamics of macromolecules in different flow fields, this method enables time resolved studies of protein-protein interactions of individual molecules with simultaneous determination of mechanical properties.