Article
Energy & Fuels
Paul C. Hackley, Jolanta Kus, Joao Graciano Mendonca Filho, Andrew D. Czaja, Angeles G. Borrego, Dragana Zivotic, Brett J. Valentine, Javin J. Hatcherian
Summary: This study investigates bituminite in Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay source rock using CLSM and AFM, providing better understanding of its nature and properties. The findings include the composition and fluorescence spectroscopy characteristics of bituminite, as well as the effects of broad ion beam milling on its surface morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian Dahle, John Meuthen, Rene Gustus, Alexandra Prowald, Wolfgang Vioel, Wolfgang Maus-Friedrichs
Summary: The self-assembling films were used on pine wood substrates to alter surface wettability, with monodisperse polystyrene spheres deposited onto the substrate via dip coating. The resulting film had a polycrystalline FCC-like structure with typical domain sizes of 5-15 single spheres. Functionalization of this self-assembled coating through O-2 plasma treatment introduced hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, resulting in superhydrophilic behavior.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Julia Auernhammer, Tom Keil, Binbin Lin, Jan-Lukas Schaefer, Bai-Xiang Xu, Markus Biesalski, Robert W. Stark
Summary: The study presents a method based on atomic force microscopy to map properties along the fibre and provide a detailed picture of the mechanical properties of single fibres. By using a combination of different microscopy techniques, including AFM and confocal laser scanning microscopy, local variations in fibre properties can be identified.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiabao Zheng, Chuan-he Tang, Jihong Wu, Ge Ge, Mouming Zhao, Weizheng Sun
Summary: Heteroprotein complexes are formed through electrostatic interactions in a purely aqueous environment. This study investigated the structural and functional properties of soy protein isolate/lysozyme (SPI/LYS) complexes. Electrostatic complexation increased the surface hydrophobicity of the complexes, but it did not decrease the enzyme activity of lysozyme. The complexes exhibited flocculated structures and high dilution and NaCl reduced their size.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maxime Liboz, Antoine Allard, Michel Malo, Guillaume Lamour, Gaelle Letort, Benedicte Thiebot, Sid Labdi, Juan Pelta, Clement Campillo
Summary: The mechanical properties of living cells reflect their physiological and pathological state. Adhesive micropatterns can be used to standardize the mechanics and morphologies of cancer cells. Micropatterning cancer cells leads to distinct morphological and mechanical changes associated with differences in the organization of the cytoskeleton.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jerome F. L. Duval, Angelina Razafitianamaharavo, Isabelle Bihannic, Marc Offroy, Nicolas Lesniewska, Benedicte Sohm, Helene Le Cordier, Christian Mustin, Christophe Pagnout, Audrey Beaussart
Summary: The variation of cell-wall ultrastructure, composition, and nanomechanics of Chlorella vulgaris upon culture ageing and lysozyme treatment was investigated using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy. The presence of a fibrillated mesh at the surface of cells harvested in the stationary phase was observed through AFM imaging. The structured network formed by fibrils containing the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine unit was severely damaged by lysozyme treatment. Furthermore, lysozyme was found to affect algal physiology, triggering oxidative stress and changes in cell lipid content.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Prachi Ghoderao, Sanjay Sahare, Shern-Long Lee, Prashant Sonar
Summary: Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique that allows for the observation and analysis of nanoscale materials and biological molecules through the use of sharp probes that scan the sample surface. This method, which includes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), provides valuable insights into the properties and behavior of these materials at a molecular level. This review highlights the applications of SPM in biomolecule imaging and the study of physiological processes, as well as the challenges and potential solutions in biological sample preparation. It also discusses the recent advancements in STM and AFM applications on biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, and their potential applications in fields like drug delivery and biosensors.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Heitor Hussni Casarin, Vicente Silva Mattos, Jarbas Caiado de Castro Neto, Michelle Alexandra Chinelatti
Summary: The study evaluated the chemical and morphological changes of femtosecond laser-irradiated enamel using Raman spectroscopy, CLSM, and SEM. Results showed a significant decrease in carbonate content and carbonate/phosphate ratio in enamel after laser irradiation, without altering its structure and morphology.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andra C. Dumitru, Amaury Stommen, Melanie Koehler, Anne-Sophie Cloos, Jinsung Yang, Arnaud Leclercqz, Donatienne Tyteca, David Alsteens
Summary: Recent studies have shown that PIEZO1 ion channels are activated by mechanical stimuli, triggering intracellular chemical signals, and their gating and activation are modulated by plasma membrane tension or local curvature changes. The research found the existence of submicrometric PIEZO1 clusters on red blood cells, and these clusters increase in abundance in regions of higher membrane tension and lower curvature upon interaction with the allosteric modulator Yodal. Additionally, it was demonstrated that PIEZO1 ion channels interact with the spectrin cytoskeleton in both resting and activated states, suggesting a strong interplay between plasma membrane tension gradients, curvature, and cytoskeleton association of PIEZO1.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Zhang, Daniel J. Trainer, Badri Narayanan, Yang Li, Anh T. Ngo, Sushila Khadka, Arnab Neogi, Brandon Fisher, Larry A. Curtiss, Subramanian K. R. S. Sankaranarayanan, Saw Wai Hla
Summary: By using a q+ atomic force microscopy at low temperature, researchers observed lateral force anisotropy of a sexiphenyl molecule moving on an atomically flat Ag(111) surface. The one-dimensional shape of the molecule was identified as the origin of this phenomenon, which was confirmed through molecular dynamics simulations. This finding may have significant implications for atomic scale frictional phenomena on materials surfaces.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Hollosi, Katalin Paszty, Balint Levente Bunta, Tamas Bozo, Miklos Kellermayer, Marta Lidia Debreczeni, Laszlo Cervenak, Manuela Baccarini, Andrea Varga
Summary: The dynamics of actin cytoskeleton and its connection to endothelial cell-cell junctions play a crucial role in determining the barrier function of endothelial cells.
Review
Physiology
Andrea M. Lopez-Canizales, Aracely Angulo-Molina, Adriana Garibay-Escobar, Erika Silva-Campa, Miguel A. Mendez-Rojas, Karla Santacruz-Gomez, Monica Acosta-Elias, Beatriz Castaneda-Medina, Diego Soto-Puebla, Osiris Alvarez-Bajo, Alexel Burgara-Estrella, Martin Pedroza-Montero
Summary: This article discusses the changes in the membrane of red blood cells caused by storage and irradiation, characterized using various techniques. The experimental results serve as biomarkers of cell aging and storage damage.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Neel, Joerg Kroeger
Summary: The study revealed that the formation of a chemical bond between a CO molecule and a Cu(111) surface is accompanied by bending of the molecular probe due to van der Waals attraction and Pauli repulsion, resulting in characteristic changes in the vertical force between CO and Cu(111) as a function of molecule-surface distance. Experimental data were successfully reproduced by model calculations, shedding new light on vertical-force extrema in scanning probe experiments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kitti Szabo, Daniel Varga, Attila Gergely Vegh, Ning Liu, Xue Xiao, Lin Xu, Laszlo Dux, Miklos Erdelyi, Laszlo Rovo, Aniko Keller-Pinter
Summary: This study found that reduced expression of syndecan-4 enhances myoblast differentiation and fusion in skeletal muscle development and regeneration. It also suggests that syndecan-4 may serve as a tumor driver gene in promoting rhabdomyosarcoma tumor development.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carina Ade, Xiaomin Qian, Edit Brodszkij, Paula De Dios Andres, Jarvi Spanjers, Isabella N. Westensee, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: This study compared the interaction ability of two structural scaffolds for artificial organelles with macrophage-like cells. It was found that assemblies containing DOPE lipids or GALA could escape lysosomes, providing a fundamental understanding for the development of intracellular nanoreactors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
X. Qian, M. A. Ramos-Docampo, C. Ade, E. Brodszkij, I. N. Westensee, B. Stadler
Summary: This study reports artificial enzymes based on metalloporphyrins that can mimic the activity of nitric oxide synthase. The catalytic activity and stability of these enzymes were found to be influenced by their microenvironment. The combination of metalloporphyrins with the hydrophilic polymer PCEA improved their catalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, immobilizing the metalloporphyrins on silica particles or incorporating them into polymer chains resulted in significantly higher catalytic activity. These artificial enzymes offer a synthetic alternative for nitric oxide production and have potential applications in various fields.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paula de Dios Andres, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: This article reports an in vitro epidermis model using floating paper chips as a scaffold, which promotes the proliferation and differentiation of primary human keratinocytes. The formation of different layers of the epidermis and keratinocyte migration are studied in this model.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miguel A. Ramos Docampo, Xiaomin Qian, Carina Ade, Thais Floriano Marcelino, Marcel Ceccato, Morten Foss, Ondrej Hovorka, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: In this study, different polymers were used to provide new locomotion abilities for nano/micromotors by hydrolyzing the pH-labile linkers and releasing the polymeric chains. The motors showed enhanced velocity in cell media and preliminary data indicated enhanced internalization by mammalian cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Miguel A. Ramos Docampo, Nanying Wang, Stefan Pendlmayr, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: This study investigates collagenase-powered nano/micromotors and analyzes their locomotion characteristics depending on fiber network density and geometrical constraints. The results show that the material, size, and morphology of the core particle have an impact on the velocity of the motors.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Cathrine Abild Meyer, Paula De Dios Andres, Edit Brodszkij, Isabella N. Westensee, Joseph Lyons, Sandra H. Vaz, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: The role of astrocytes in brain function has been increasingly recognized, and this study investigates the interaction between soft material nanoparticles and astrocytes, including primary astrocytes cultured in 3D paper-based chips.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thais Marcelino, Miguel A. Ramos Docampo, Xiaomin Qian, Carina Ade, Edit Brodszkij, Marcel Ceccato, Morten Foss, Mark Dulchavsky, James C. A. Bardwell, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: The immobilization of enzymes on solid supports is an important challenge in biotechnology and biomedicine. In this study, the authors used poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-based brushes to immobilize Thermoplasma acidophilum histidine ammonia lyase on planar and colloidal silica surfaces. They found that the grafting-from method resulted in higher amounts of deposited polymer and higher amounts of the enzyme. All polymer brush-modified surfaces showed preserved catalytic activity of the enzyme, but the grafting-from method resulted in twice the enzymatic activity compared to the grafting-to approach, demonstrating successful enzyme deposition on a solid support.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander N. Zelikin, Ebbe Sloth Andersen, Brigitte Stadler
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miguel A. A. Ramos Docampo, Sarah Nieto, Paula de Dios Andres, Xiaomin Qian, Brigitte Staedler
Summary: Nanomotors using self-immolative polymers (SIP) were developed to achieve locomotion in 500 nm silica particles. The SIP-coated motors showed an average velocity of up to 3 μm/s when incubated with BSA. This proof of concept demonstrates the potential of polymer-powered motors in modern chemistry.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alfredo Franco-Obregon, Yee Kit Tai, Kwan Yu Wu, Jan Nikolas Iversen, Craig Jun Kit Wong
Summary: Muscle function is influenced by muscular mitochondrial status, which is a response to physical activity and improves energy production. Different muscle performance is due to variation in contractile-protein isoforms and mitochondrial-energy substrate utilization. Glycolytic muscles generate immediate energy from carbohydrates outside the mitochondria, while oxidative muscles produce energy aerobically from fatty acids. The oxidative muscle phenotype is correlated with metabolic balance and longevity. The activation of the muscle mitochondrial pool through magnetic fields can mimic the oxidative muscle phenotype. Further research on the physiological consequences of magnetic-field therapy is necessary.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jurg Traber, Thomas Wild, Joerg Marotz, Martin C. Berli, Alfredo Franco-Obregon
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of concurrent optical and magnetic stimulation (COMS) therapy on wound healing-related parameters using hyperspectral imaging. The results showed that COMS therapy can improve edema and perfusion, increase tissue oxygenation, and decrease water content, thus providing a positive short-term effect on chronic wounds.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biology
Isabella Nymann Westensee, Brigitte Staedler
Summary: Cellular communication is crucial for the survival of cellular assemblies and the development of semi-synthetic systems. In this study, artificial cells (ACs) were able to eavesdrop on HepG2 cells to evaluate hepatic CYP1A2 functions. ACs sent a signal via the reduction of disulfide bonds, while HepG2 cells released 2-cyano-6-hydroxybenzothiazole in response. The resulting reaction of d-cysteine and 2-cyano-6-hydroxybenzothiazole allowed the ACs to convert d-luciferin into luminescence.
Article
Cell Biology
Sharanya Venugobal, Yee Kit Tai, Jorming Goh, Sean Teh, Craig Wong, Ivan Goh, Andrea B. Maier, Brian K. Kennedy, Alfredo Franco-Obregon
Summary: Brief weekly exposure to low energy pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has been shown to improve human muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics and attenuate systemic lipotoxicity following anterior cruciate ligament surgical reconstruction. In a study of 101 participants, significant improvements in mobility and body composition were observed after 12 weeks of PEMF intervention, particularly in older participants. Perception of pain was also significantly reduced. These findings suggest that PEMF therapy may have potential clinical benefits for age-associated mobility and metabolic disruptions.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Oksana K. Savchak, Nanying Wang, Miguel A. Ramos-Docampo, Paula de Dios Andres, Ana M. Sebastiao, Filipa F. Ribeiro, Adam Armada-Moreira, Brigitte Stadler, Sandra H. Vaz
Summary: In this study, manganese dioxide nanosheets were used as catalytically active entities to assist mammalian cells under oxidative stress. Additionally, Janus-shaped reactors coated with manganese dioxide nanosheets showed directed locomotion and were able to remove hydrogen peroxide from the media, providing protection for nearby cultured cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Carina Ade, Thais F. Marcelino, Mark Dulchavsky, Kevin Wu, James C. A. Bardwell, Brigitte Stadler
Summary: Extremophile enzymes are valuable in biotechnology and biomedicine due to their ability to survive in harsh environments. Thermoplasma acidophilum histidine ammonia lyase showed promising catalytic activity after acid treatment, and fusion with proteins or co-incubation with chaperones helped it withstand acidic conditions. Encapsulation of the enzyme in a hydrogel microreactor allowed it to maintain over 50% of its enzymatic activity after exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, showing the potential for advancing oral formulations of biologicals using engineered extremophile proteins and polymer-based encapsulation.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
