Stable magnetic field gradient levitation of Xenopus laevis: toward low-gravity simulation

Biophys J. 1997 Aug;73(2):1130-3. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(97)78145-1.

Abstract

We have levitated, for the first time, living biological specimens, embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis, using a large inhomogeneous magnetic field. The magnetic field/field gradient product required for levitation was 1430 kG2/cm, consistent with the embryo's susceptibility being dominated by the diamagnetism of water and protein. We show that unlike any other earth-based technique, magnetic field gradient levitation of embryos reduces the body forces and gravity-induced stresses on them. We discuss the use of large inhomogeneous magnetic fields as a probe for gravitationally sensitive phenomena in biological specimens.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fertilization
  • Hypogravity*
  • Magnetics*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Movement
  • Ovulation
  • Ovum / cytology
  • Ovum / physiology
  • Xenopus laevis / embryology*