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EXPLORING PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
In addition to using dinoflagellates as models for understanding
how cells are affected by flows, Latz also has been exploring practical
applications for dinoflagellate bioluminescence. Fluid physicists
cannot yet measure flows directly at the very small scales of individual
plankton. Latz's studies of the relationship between fluid shear
and bioluminescence suggest that dinoflagellates can be used as
microscopic flow sensors to study the complexities of fluid flow.
In a dramatic example of this possibility, Latz and Rohr observed
bioluminescence generated around dolphins as they swam through water
containing dinoflagellates. By comparing their results to mathematical
solutions and to flows created around objects in the laboratory,
they identified different regions of flow around the dolphins' streamlined
bodies.
The success with swimming dolphins demonstrates the potential usefulness
of the approach. According to Latz, "We are now interested in applying
this knowledge to other flow conditions, such as in bioreactors,
the laboratory chambers used to grow cultured cells from which important
compounds can be harvested for medicines or biomedical research."
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Cells grown in this manner include plant, yeast, insect, and even mammalian cells. These cells cannot swim, so
when grown in bioreactors, they must be supplied with nutrients
and dissolved gases through constant mixing. This requirement can
cause more harm than good, mixing too vigorously will damage or kill
the cells.
"The ideal bioreactor mixes well but with low
shear. Using bioluminescence is a way to verify the claims of a
bioreactor manufacturer that their product is more gentle than the
competition," Latz explains. "You can put the dinoflagellates in
a bioreactor and observe the areas bioreactor and observe the areas
that light up. Those are areas of high shear."
This same technique might also be used to develop
artificial hearts that are safer and more effective. The shear caused
by blood pumping through an artificial heart must not be too high
or blood cells will be damaged, but the shear must also not be too
low or clots might develop. Latz believes it might be possible to
use bioluminescent dinoflagellates to determine whether the shear
is too high, too low, or just right.
As work in the lab continues, Latz plans to
pursue new collaborations within marine biology and in other fields
where his innovative techniques can help physicists and engineers
learn more about intricacies of fluid flow.
For more on Bioluminescence please see Dr. Latz's Website at http://siobiolum.ucsd.edu/
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