More vector infographics about PNIPAM
I published earlier some infographics I created for my Ph.D thesis, for example the comparison between biological and technological objects at the micro and nano scale. Below are a few other information graphics used to explain the various uses of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) for biology and health.
Conformational switch
Temperature-induced conformational switch of PNIPAM
PNIPAM is a thermosensitive polymer that undergoes a reversible coil-to-globule conformational transition around its lower critical solution temperature (LCST), around 32°C. It switches from a hydrophilic, swollen state to a hydrophobic, collapsed state.
- Download the resizable, editable SVG source file (SVG, 65 KB)
PNIPAM-based immunoassay
Immunoassay based on the thermal precipitation of PNIPAM
The peculiar properties of PNIPAM make it possible to use this polymer as a support for immunoassays based on thermal precipitation.
- Download the resizable, editable SVG source file (SVG, 151 KB)
Cell culture
Cell culture on PNIPAM-grafted surfaces
PNIPAM-grafted surfaces can be used as a soft support for cell cultures. Cells grow on hydrophobic PNIPAM and are softly released by lowering the temperature and making the PNIPAM hydrophilic.
- Download the resizable, editable SVG source file (SVG, 249 KB)
Adsorption and release of proteins
Controlled adsorption and release of proteins on hydrophobic PNIPAM-grafted surfaces
The same way cells adsorb on hydrophobic PNIPAM surfaces, proteins may be reversibly trapped on PNIPAM surfaces, then released upon command. This is actually one of the things I did during my thesis.
- Download the resizable, editable SVG source file (SVG, 63 KB)
Licensing and reuse
All the source files are vector graphics, i.e. they can be resized at will without loss of quality or pixelation. They are released under a Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike license, which means you are free to use them, modify them, redistribute them for any purpose as long as you appropriately attribute them, and that you distribute any derivative works only under the same license.