how to measure/alter surface charge of algal cells??

[Steven L. Manley]

Dr Donald J Baird (djb1 at dee02.stir.ac.uk) wrote:
: I'm working on a project on the interaction between freshwater microalgae and  
: pollutants, and effects on natural grazing systems. I'm specifically interested  
: in studying the relationship between surface charge on algal cells and their  
: ability to bind pollutants - does anyone know any nifty techniques for (a)  
: measuring the surface charge on algal cells and/or, even better, (b) altering  
: it (either by physical, or non-toxic chemical methods) ? All (sensible)  
: suggestions welcome!
: --
: Donald Baird                    Voice:     +786 467926
: Environment/Systems Group       Fax  :     +786 472133
: Institute of Aquaculture        Email:     djb1 at stirling.ac.uk
: Stirling University
: Scotland FK9 4LA
:                            
: * * * * * * * * * * * * * NeXTMail Welcome! * * * * * * * * * *
sorry i cant answer it directly..it is really a tough problem. just 
remember that almost all of the surface charge will be negative due to 
the nature of the cell wall polysaccharides. good luck!

---------------------------------------
Steven L. Manley, slmanley at csulb.edu
Dept. of Biol. Sci., Calif. St. Univ.
Long Beach, Ca USA  90840-4806
310-985-1568; FAX 310-985-2315