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O Sandre

Publications and source records attributed to O Sandre.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Stable oxide nanoparticle clusters obtained by complexation.

We report on the electrostatic complexation between polyelectrolyte-neutral copolymers and oppositely charged 6-nm crystalline nanoparticles. For two different dispersions of oxide nanoparticles, the electrostatic complexation gives rise to the formation of stable nanoparticle clusters in the range 20-100 nm. It is found that inside the clusters, the particles are "pasted" together by the polyelectrolyte blocks adsorbed on their surface. Cryo-transmission electronic microscopy allows visualization of the clusters and determination of the probability distribution functions in size and in aggregation number. The comparison between light scattering and cryo-microscopy results suggests the existence of a polymer brush around the clusters.

Journal Article↗

Coherent scattering in multi-harmonic light microscopy.

By focusing a pulsed laser beam into a sample, harmonic up-conversion can be generated as well as multi-photon excited fluorescence. Whereas multi-photon excited fluorescence microscopy is well established, the use of multi-harmonic generation for three-dimensional image contrast is very recent. Both techniques can provide similar resolution and, for adequate radiating source density, comparable signal levels, allowing them to be combined in a single versatile instrument. However, harmonic generation differs fundamentally from fluorescence generation in that it is coherent and produces radiation patterns that are highly sensitive to phase. As such, multi-harmonic generation microscopy provides a unique window into molecular spatial organization that is inaccessible to fluorescence.

Animals↗

Shape transitions of giant liposomes induced by an anisotropic spontaneous curvature.

We explore how a magnetic field breaks the symmetry of an initially spherical giant liposome filled with a magnetic colloid. The condition of rotational symmetry along the field axis leads either to a prolate or to an oblate ellipsoid. We demonstrate that an electrostatic interaction between the nanoparticles and the membrane triggers the shape transition.

Anisotropy↗

Dynamics of transient pores in stretched vesicles.

We image macroscopic transient pores in mechanically stretched giant vesicles. Holes open above a critical radius r(c1), grow up to a radius r(c2), and close. We interpret the upper limit r(c2) by a relaxation of the membrane tension as the holes expand. The closing of the holes is caused by a further relaxation of the surface tension when the internal liquid leaks out. A dynamic model fits our data for the growth and closure of pores.

Cell Membrane Permeability↗

Moving droplets on asymmetrically structured surfaces.

It is shown theoretically and experimentally that a liquid droplet can move on a surface structured with a locally asymmetric pattern when a breathing of the drop is induced by external means. Two different situations can be envisioned: a drop whose volume is modulated and a drop whose equilibrium contact angle is switched between two extreme values. This last case was experimentally investigated using electric fields acting on water droplets in castor oil. The main trends of the theory are verified although a quantitative analysis would necessitate either a simpler experimental geometry or a more elaborate model. The results are discussed with a miniaturization of the setup in mind which would have important potential applications in the field of integrated analysis systems.

Journal Article↗