Stress-enhanced gelation: a dynamic nonlinearity of elasticity

Phys Rev Lett. 2013 Jan 4;110(1):018103. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.018103. Epub 2013 Jan 3.

Abstract

A hallmark of biopolymer networks is their sensitivity to stress, reflected by pronounced nonlinear elastic stiffening. Here, we demonstrate a distinct dynamical nonlinearity in biopolymer networks consisting of filamentous actin cross-linked by α-actinin-4. Applied stress delays the onset of relaxation and flow, markedly enhancing gelation and extending the regime of solidlike behavior to much lower frequencies. We show that this macroscopic network response can be accounted for at the single molecule level by the increased binding affinity of the cross-linker under load, characteristic of catch-bond-like behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actinin / chemistry*
  • Actinin / genetics
  • Actins / chemistry*
  • Elasticity
  • Humans
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Point Mutation
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • ACTN4 protein, human
  • Actins
  • Actinin