Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Telmo O. Paiva, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrene
Summary: Advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques and methodologies in microbiology have enhanced our understanding of microbial cell surfaces. Recent studies have shown that AFM imaging of cells and membranes at or near molecular resolution enables detailed visualization of membrane-drug interactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Diego P. Souza, Thalles B. Grangeiro, Jeanlex S. Sousa, Isis V. M. Lima, Pedro Filho N. Souza, Cristiano S. Lima, Alexandre D'Emery S. Gomes, Ana C. O. Monteiro-Moreira, Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Marcio V. Ramos
Summary: This study conducted a proteomic analysis of Cryptostegia grandiflora latex (CgLP) and identified 27 proteins, including an antifungal protein called CgOsm. The structure of CgOsm has features of typical osmotin or thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), and it was found to drastically damage Fusarium falciforme spores.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ryota Fukuzawa, Daichi Kobayashi, Takuji Takahashi
Summary: Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used to examine the electrostatic force between an AFM tip and sample surface, allowing evaluation of their capacitance and surface potential. The dependences of the electrostatic force on dc voltage and ac voltage frequency can be used to investigate carrier density, carrier type, and deep-level states in a semiconductor. Proper distance control is necessary in EFM to ensure accurate measurements, and the oscillation amplitude of a cantilever can be effectively used for feedback control. The 1 A-mode operation in EFM shows good robustness against the strong electrostatic force and allows proper measurements of tip-sample capacitance.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2023)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Pedro J. Martinez, Enrico Gnecco, Juan J. Mazo
Summary: This study investigates the quantifiable characteristics of wave-like features observed on polymer surfaces when examined with AFM, and demonstrates the presence of ripples and dotted regions under different parameter values. The amplitude, period, and orientation of these features are numerically estimated, revealing a cooperative process involving the scanning of multiple lines leading to the emergence of ripples.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kamila Sofinska, Dawid Lupa, Anna Chachaj-Brekiesz, Michal Czaja, Jan Kobierski, Sara Seweryn, Katarzyna Skirlinska-Nosek, Marek Szymonski, Natalia Wilkosz, Anita Wnetrzak, Ewelina Lipiec
Summary: Lipid membranes are essential for the existence of life, playing complex functions such as separation of biological environments and participation in regulatory processes. However, the reasons behind the variability within lipid membranes and its biochemical significance are still not well understood. Simplifying the studied systems and utilizing analytical methods are important for understanding phenomena occurring in natural, complex membranes. This review discusses the structural complexity of lipid membranes and focuses on the analytical studies of artificial systems at various interfaces. It summarizes experimental and theoretical approaches providing information about the molecular structure, composition, and organization of lipid membranes, as well as the real-time visualization of the influence of various molecules on their integrity. The review also highlights the latest achievements in the field of lipid layer-based biosensors.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Damien Hall
Summary: High speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) is a powerful method for assessing biological processes involving macromolecules, especially when no direct labelling is required. However, when the feature to be studied moves during the measurement, the obtained image will be blurred. To optimize the experimental parameters and achieve higher scanning speeds, a software tool called HSAFM-MIREBA is developed for pre-experimental parameter optimization and simulation.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo Pellegrino, Isabella Farella, Mariafrancesca Cascione, Valeria De Matteis, Alessandro Paolo Bramanti, Antonio Della Torre, Fabio Quaranta, Rosaria Rinaldi
Summary: In recent years, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)-based nanolithography techniques have become increasingly powerful. However, conventional methods are inefficient, have low pattern formation rates, and are complex to execute. In this study, we developed a simple and effective nanopatterning technique called Pulse-Atomic Force Lithography (P-AFL), which enabled us to pattern 2.5D nanogrooves on a thin polymer layer with sub-nanometre resolution, high accuracy, and reproducibility. We investigated the effects of P-AFL parameters on the morphology of 2.5D nanostructures and optimized the nanolithography process to achieve unconventional shape nanostructures with high accuracy and fidelity.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Morgan Robinson, Carina T. Filice, Danielle M. McRae, Zoya Leonenko
Summary: The cell membrane is a thin, fundamental biological structure composed of various lipid types, forming small and dynamic lipid domains or rafts that play crucial roles in cell organization and communication. Understanding the functions of these lipid rafts is vital for studying important biological processes and membrane-associated diseases. Model membranes composed of synthetic lipids have been developed to mimic cell membranes and advanced microscopy techniques have significantly contributed to the study of nanodomains in these model membranes.
ADVANCES IN PHYSICS-X
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Fatima Ghassan Alabtah, Abedalkader Alkhouzaam, Marwan Khraisheh, Helmi Attia
Summary: This study evaluates the surface integrity of thin film composite membranes under different loading conditions using multiple characterization methods, revealing the limitations of uniaxial tests in assessing surface properties.
CIRP ANNALS-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Yuan Qiu, Chen-Chi Chien, Basile Maroulis, Jiani Bei, Angelo Gaitas, Bin Gong
Summary: This article presents a review of the applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluidic atomic force microscopy (fluidFM) in single-cell studies. It discusses the use of AFM in studying single cells, extracellular vesicles, colloidal force spectroscopy, and single-cell adhesion measurements. FluidFM, a combination of microfluidics and AFM, allows for biological, pathological, and pharmacological studies on single cells in a liquid environment. The review focuses on the capabilities of fluidFM in measuring adhesion, binding forces, and manipulating single cells, as well as its applications in patch clamping and mass measurements.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianyao Zhang, Haibo Yu, Jialin Shi, Xiaoduo Wang, Hao Luo, Daojing Lin, Zhu Liu, Chanmin Su, Yuechao Wang, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This paper proposes an imaging method that combines atomic force microscopy with microlens-based scanning optical microscopy, which can achieve cross-scale rapid imaging and improve the efficiency of large-scale imaging and detection.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Rodriguez, M. S. Jaman, O. Acikgoz, B. Wang, J. Yu, P. G. Grutzmacher, A. Rosenkranz, M. Z. Baykara
Summary: Ti3C2Tx nano-sheets exhibit solid lubrication properties on the nanoscale, reducing friction on silicon dioxide substrates, although not as effectively as few-layer graphene. This paves the way for further investigations into nanoscale solid lubrication achieved by Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nano-sheets.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ayse Cagil Kandemir, Fatma Donmez, Hatice Kaplan Can
Summary: This study focuses on achieving mechanical enhancements in biocompatible organic coatings by using solvent-based method to produce biocompatible nanocomposites. The addition of bentonite nanoclays as constituents leads to significant improvements in mechanical properties. The increase in volume fraction of bentonite nanoclays is primarily responsible for the considerable enhancements in hardness and modulus values.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adria Botet-Carreras, M. Teresa Montero, Jesus Sot, Oscar Domenech, Jordi H. Borrell
Summary: The researchers engineered two different lipid model membranes mimicking the lipid composition of the HeLa cell plasma membrane, and studied the fusion process, finding a primary electrostatic interaction and confirming the enhancing effect of cholesterol. The results support the usefulness of the engineered model in the design of liposomes for drug delivery.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yijie Liu, Xuexuan Li, Yuliang Zhang, Lin Ge, Yingchun Guan, Zhen Zhang
Summary: This study presents a novel approach, the ultra-large scale stitchless atomic force microscopy (ULSS-AFM), which combines a compliant nano-manipulator (CNM) to enable high-throughput characterization of an area of up to 1 x 1 mm(2). Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ULSS-AFM in different scanning ranges, modes, resolutions, and frequencies. Compared to conventional AFMs, this approach allows for the characterization of ultra-large scale samples without stitching or bow errors, expanding the scanning area of traditional AFMs by two orders of magnitude and opening up important avenues for cross-scale scientific research and industrial applications in nano- and microscale.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Andreea Irina Barzic, Raluca Marinica Albu, Iuliana Stoica, Camelia Hulubei
Summary: A set of new composites based on fluorinated polyimide and ferrous sulfide were prepared for use as shielding covers in solar cells. The films showed high transmittance above 77% at 500 nm with 10% ferrous sulfide, maintaining good optical clarity. The study also highlighted the temperature effect on refractive index and the hydrophobic nature of the polyimide structure, providing anti-soiling features to the composite samples.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Iuliana Stoica, Andreea Irina Barzic, Raluca Marinica Albu, Radu-Dan Rusu, Mariana-Dana Damaceanu
Summary: Two poly(oxadiazole-naphthylimide) films are prepared and characterized for their suitability as alignment layers for nematics; rheological behavior is analyzed to establish optimal conditions for solution shearing; rubbing with cellulose diacetate cloth is used to induce surface anisotropy and molecular morphology is studied using atomic force microscopy.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cosmin Stefan Mocanu, Brindusa Alina Petre, Laura Darie-Ion, Gabi Drochioiu, Marius Niculaua, Iuliana Stoica, Mihaela Homocianu, Loredana Elena Nita, Vasile Robert Gradinaru
Summary: In this study, a new amidated peptide FRS based on human collagen sequence was synthesized and characterized. The self-assembly behaviors of FRS were investigated and optimal conditions were determined. AFM studies revealed the morphology of FRS and theoretical analysis showed its ability to form bundle-type association. This research has significant implications for further applications and design of FRS peptide.
Article
Polymer Science
Iuliana Stoica, Luminita Ioana Buruiana, Raluca Marinica Albu, Marius Soroceanu, Andreea Irina Barzic
Summary: This study investigates the rheological and optical response of HPMC under temperature variations, revealing correlations between flow behavior, film thickness uniformity, and surface parameters like roughness and texture. The study also reports the refractive properties of HPMC for the first time and observes changes in optical dispersion parameters with temperature increase. The thermo-optic coefficient of HPMC is found to be larger than other polymers, making it suitable for optical switching based on thermo-optical effect.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stefania-Claudia Jitaru, Andrei Neamtu, Gabi Drochioiu, Laura Darie-Ion, Iuliana Stoica, Brindusa-Alina Petre, Vasile-Robert Gradinaru
Summary: Peptides and their related compounds have the ability to form various nanostructures in response to stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. In this study, a pentapeptide derived from lysozyme was synthesized and characterized for its fibrillar structures. The peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and its properties were confirmed using spectroscopy and microscopy. The obtained fibrils show potential for medical and cosmetic applications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dana Ortansa Dorohoi, Mihai Postolache, Cristina Delia Nechifor, Dan Gheorghe Dimitriu, Raluca Marinica Albu, Iuliana Stoica, Andreea Irina Barzic
Summary: Optical polymers have various advantages in devices like information storage, displays, optical communications, and filters due to their high transparency, flexibility, low cost, and film-forming ability. This review focuses on the optical birefringence of polymer materials, including the phenomenon of light double refraction, techniques to determine birefringence, and approaches to induce double refraction. The future of this field and potential advancements in materials for optical technologies are also briefly discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Iuliana Stoica, Andreea Irina Barzic, Cristian Ursu, George Stoian, Elena Gabriela Hitruc, Ion Sava
Summary: A series of flexible polyimide supramolecular systems containing different amounts of azochromophore were tested as supports for devices like temperature change sensors. Good interfacial compatibility between the flexible substrate and the conductive metal coating is crucial. Laser irradiation was employed to increase contact and enhance device reliability and signal transmission. This study highlights unreported aspects arising from azo-polyimide morphology, nanomechanical properties, and wettability, impacting compatibility with silver.
Article
Polymer Science
Andreea Irina Barzic, Ion Sava, Raluca Marinica Albu, Cristian Ursu, Gabriela Lisa, Iuliana Stoica
Summary: This article explores the potential use of polyimide-based films as a recording medium for optical storage devices. It was found that the addition of azo dye can improve the performance of polyimide-based films, such as vitrification temperature, colorimetric features, refractive index, and optical conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Anca Filimon, Mihaela Dorina Onofrei, Alexandra Bargan, Iuliana Stoica, Simona Dunca
Summary: The progress achieved in the biomedical field justifies the objective evaluation of new techniques and materials obtained by using silver in different forms as metallic silver, silver salts, and nanoparticles. The present study investigates the use of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) in the new formulation, by embedding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with antibacterial activity, using poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizing agent. The rheological properties, morphology, in vitro antimicrobial activity, and stability/catching of Ag nanoparticles in resulting HPMC/PVP-AgNPs materials were evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cristina-Eliza Brunchi, Simona Morariu, Manuela-Maria Iftime, Iuliana Stoica
Summary: The present study investigated the influence of temperature and polymer concentration on the rheological properties and morphology of xanthan gum (XG) aqueous solutions. The viscoelastic properties of XG solutions with different concentrations were studied and a solid-like response was observed. The influence of XG content on yield stress of the solutions was also discussed. The morphology of XG films prepared by casting solution method was characterized using AFM, SEM, and POM, revealing the influence of XG concentration on film characteristics and surface texture.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Andreea Irina Barzic, Raluca Marinica Albu, Iuliana Stoica, Cristina-Delia Nechifor, Mihaela Iuliana Avadanei, Dan Gheorghe Dimitriu, Dana Ortansa Dorohoi
Summary: This study focuses on inducing molecular ordering in polyvinyl alcohol films and quantifies the level of chain alignment in the samples using various experimental techniques. The proposed approach of combined rubbing, drawing, and scratching was found to be the most suitable for compensating light leakage as a retardation layer in display devices.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raluca Marinica Albu, Andreea Irina Barzic, Mihai Asandulesa, Bogdan-George Rusu, Iuliana Stoica, Ion Sava
Summary: This article proves the feasibility of utilizing bio-derived fillers to adjust the performance of biodegradable polymers. Eco-composites were prepared by adding different amounts of walnut leaf powder in hydroxyethylcellulose. Basic testing was conducted to verify the suitability of the samples. The addition of walnut leaf powder altered the rheological behavior, resulting in composite films with higher thickness uniformity. The inclusion of walnut leaf powder improved the adhesion capabilities at the nanoscale and enhanced the permittivity of the composite, making it a promising alternative dielectric for energy storage applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ion Sava, Mihai Asandulesa, Andreea Irina Barzic, Raluca Marinica Albu, Iuliana Stoica
Summary: Azo-polyimide films with supramolecular structure were synthesized by casting a mixture of polyamidic acid and azochromophore onto glass plates, followed by thermal treatment. The dielectric characteristics of the films were investigated using broad-band dielectric spectroscopy at different temperatures and frequencies. The films exhibited flexibility, toughness, and maintained integrity after repeated bending.
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandra Croitoriu, Aurica P. Chiriac, Alina G. Rusu, Alina Ghilan, Diana E. Ciolacu, Iuliana Stoica, Loredana E. Nita
Summary: This study introduced a Fmoc-short peptide and four Fmoc-amino acids as building blocks for the self-assembly/co-assembly process and investigated the formation of supramolecular gels. The complex morphological analysis revealed different morphologies of self-assembled gels and co-assembled gels, and the study also explored the molecular arrangement and the influence of the Fmoc motif on gelation.
