On the evaluation of diffusivities in gels using the diffusion cell technique

Modeling of the gel-immobilized cell system requires accurate measurement of diffusion coefficients. Three methods of the quasi-steady-state (QSS) method, the time-lag (TL) method and a variant quasi-steady-state (VQSS) method were critically assessed and compared for the evaluation of diffusivities using the diffusion cell technique. Experimental data from our laboratory were used for the analysis of the influence of crucial theoretical assumptions not being fulfilled in each method. The results highlighted a risk in obtaining highly variable diffusion coefficients by not validating the QSS and the accuracy of the measurements. In the TL method, the estimation of diffusivities based on the plot intercept that was mostly used in the literature, results in a many fold lower value when compared to that based on the plot slope. The comparison with the QSS and VQSS methods confirmed similar diffusivity obtained by the TL method based on the plot slope. It thus suggested that the correct estimation of diffusivities by the TL method could be based on the plot slope only. Furthermore, the errors associated with the solute mass in the gel, the sample withdrawal and the non-negligible concentration changes in the chambers were also discussed. It is concluded that diffusion cell technique has to be employed cautiously for a correct evaluation of diffusivities. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.