Transient and permanent changes of xylem sap exudation by root systems of Zea mays after application of hydrostatic and osmotic forces

Effects of relatively small changes of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure on root exudation were studied with maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown in hydroculture to estimate the root reflection coefficient for the applied osmolyte (PEG 600). During the first seconds after a change in hydrostatic pressure, the exudation rate measured with a microflow sensor was instantaneously and strongly changed due to elastic deformation of the metaxylem vessels in the branched part of the main root axis. In osmotic experiments, a time of 10–20 s was required before the maximum change of the exudation rate was recorded. This retardation can be explained by diffusive saturation of the non-agitated root surface film and radial turgor propagation. A new standing osmotic gradient was reached within 4 min after a change of the water potential difference (osmotic, hydrostatic). The steady-state exudation rate J was altered by osmotic and hydrostatic forces with nearly equal efficiencies when branch roots were not injured. Hence, the reflection coefficient of the intact root for PEG 600 was close to unity. The results are in accord with nearly ideal reverse osmosis at high rates of water uptake by roots and confirm the absence of a significant hydraulic bypath circumventing the protoplasts.

Development of Microfluidic Flow Sensor in a Polymeric Microchip

A microfluidic flow sensor has been developed to precisely measure the flow rate in a micro/nanofluidic channel for lab-on-a-chip applications. Mixed electroosmotic and pressure driven microflows are investigated using this sensor. Our microflow sensor consists of two components: fluidic circuit and electronic circuit. The fluidic circuit is embedded into the microfluidic chip, which is formed during the microfabrication sequences. On the other hand, the electronic circuit is a microelectronic chip that works as a logical switch. We have tested the microflow sensor in a hybrid poly di-methyl-siloxane (PDMS)-glass microchip using de-ionized (DI) water. Softlithography techniques are used to form the basic microflow structure on a PDMS layer, and all sensing electrodes are deposited on a glass plate using sputtering technique. In this investigation, the microchannel thickness is varied between 3.5 and 10 microns, and the externally applied electric field is ranged between 100V/mm and 200V/mm. The thickness of the gold electrodes is kept below 100nm, and hence the flow disturbance due to the electrodes is very minimal. Fairly repeatable flow results are obtained for all the channel dimensions and electric fields. Moreover, for a particular electric field strength, there is an appreciable change in the flow velocity with the change of the channel thickness.