Date of Graduation
5-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Nayani, Karthik
Committee Member/Reader
Walker, Heather
Committee Member/Second Reader
Almodovar, Jorge
Committee Member/Third Reader
Walters, Keisha
Abstract
In this research project, induced mechanical stress on the cell nucleus via synthetic liquid crystals (LCs) was explored. Points of interest were the shape alterations and distortions of the nuclear envelope under strain, providing insight into the mechanics and stiffness of the cell nuclei. LCs are substances with structure and fluidity, and LCs in the nematic phase are aligned in a single direction without layers, inducing shear stress on inclusions. This study confirmed that an aqueous solution of 17.3 wt% disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) can successfully strain the nuclei of chicken red blood cells (RBCs) by examining the nuclear response to dispersion in the LC solution. Bisbenzimide dye was used to stain the cell nucleus for fluorescent microscopy. The nuclear envelope shape response of an RBC was indicative of strain applied and was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Although this study only utilized this specific type of cell, the methods and techniques used can be extended to alternative mammalian cells and regulatory system observations. The techniques used in this study can contribute to the diagnosis and study of diseases that affect the stiffness of cell nuclei.
Keywords
liquid crystals, cell nucleus, chicken red blood cells, cell behavior, shear stress, bisbenzimide
Citation
Ehorn, S. (2023). Response of Cell Nuclei to Mechanical Strain in Synthetic Liquid Crystals. Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cheguht/201