Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miles F. Beaux, Reuben J. Peterson, Igor O. Usov
Summary: Atomic force microscopy was used to map the topography and qualitative mechanical characteristics of gallium-stabilized delta-phase plutonium coupons. The initial rough and heterogeneous surface of plutonium was observed, along with distinct striation patterns in qualitative nanomechanical mapping. Investigation suggested that the striations were not measurement artifacts or plutonium-specific features, and were influenced by mechanical working of the surface.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
L. T. P. Nguyen, B. H. Liu
Summary: This study proposes a supervised machine learning (SML) framework for selecting the appropriate contact model for evaluating the elastic modulus based on the features of the FZ curve. The results show that the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier provides the best prediction quality for the contact model.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MECHANICS A-SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Ye, Wenzhe Li, Huayi Wang, Ling Zhu, Chen Wang, Yanlian Yang
Summary: In this study, the nanomechanical properties of human breast cancer cell-derived sEVs were quantitatively investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that the stiffness and osmotic pressure of sEVs increase with malignancy and decrease with size, while the bending modulus decreases with malignancy and is lower in smaller sEVs. This research establishes a relationship between the nanomechanical signature of sEVs and tumor malignancy, contributing to a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lingyun Kong, Fahimeh Hadavimoghaddam, Chunxiao Li, Kouqi Liu, Bo Liu, Amir Semnani, Mehdi Ostadhassan
Summary: This study compares the feasibility of using force spectroscopy methods and nanoindentation techniques to obtain elastic properties of shale. It was found that the modulus range in nanoindentation data is larger, but it becomes more difficult to identify organic matter from intermediary phases as thermal maturity increases. In contrast, AFM provides higher resolution modulus maps, allowing for more accurate distinction between different phases.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruana Cardoso-Lima, Pedro Filho Noronha Souza, Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Luciana M. Rebelo Alencar
Summary: This study utilized advanced atomic force microscopy techniques to analyze SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, focusing on their ultrastructure, adsorption conformation, and nanomechanical behavior. The results revealed the organization and spatial distribution of proteins on the viral particles' surface, as well as the membrane's compliant behavior and ability to recover from mechanical injuries. The study also identified at least three layers composing the membrane that protect the virus from external stress.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Li, Yuhui Wei, Qian Li, Nan Chen, Jiang Li, Lin Liu, Jinjin Zhang, Ying Wang, Yanhong Sun, Jiye Shi, Lihua Wang, Zhifeng Shao, Jun Hu, Chunhai Fan
Summary: The authors used an integrated atomic force microscope and brightfield/epifluorescent microscope platform to simulate living single cells under physiological conditions, measuring the autophagic response and its transmission to neighboring cells. The study showed the dynamics of autophagosome formation, degradation, and induction in neighboring cells, as well as the enhancement of autophagic responses in neighboring cells via a gap junction-dependent mechanism. The AFM-based nanoacupuncture platform can be a valuable tool for understanding the primary mechanism of mechanical stimulation in living systems and other biomechanical therapeutics.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andreas Stylianou, Chrysovalantis Voutouri, Fotios Mpekris, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
Summary: Cancer progression is closely associated with changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) structure and mechanical properties. Desmoplasia, mainly caused by collagen overproduction, leads to tumor stiffness and hinders drug delivery. Understanding the mechanisms involved in desmoplasia and identifying nanomechanical and collagen-based properties can lead to the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, in vitro experiments using pancreatic cell lines and orthotopic tumor models demonstrated that invasive cells are softer with elongated shapes and aligned stress fibers. The study also found distinct nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties in pancreatic cancer, which can be potential biomarkers for monitoring tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
David W. Collinson, Richard J. Sheridan, Marc J. Palmeri, L. Catherine Brinson
Summary: Over the past two decades, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has evolved from an experimental technique for probing simple surface topography to a technology capable of spatially mapping nanoscale material properties with high sensitivity and resolution, especially in extracting nanoscale elastic and viscoelastic data from polymers and other soft materials. However, the lack of clarity on best practices for interpreting nanoscale mechanical data on polymers, along with the presence of multiple phases in samples, poses limitations on the quantitative accuracy of AFM methods and interpretation of mechanical data.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piotr Deptula, Lukasz Suprewicz, Tamara Daniluk, Andrzej Namiot, Sylwia Joanna Chmielewska, Urszula Daniluk, Dariusz Lebensztejn, Robert Bucki
Summary: This study focuses on the molecular mechanisms related to Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer development. It suggests that the nanomechanical properties of infected tissues could serve as markers of H. pylori presence and the mechanical response of gastric cells to this infection may play a role in promoting cancer development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas Matthias Seewald, Juergen Sattelkow, Michele Brugger-Hatzl, Gerald Kothleitner, Hajo Frerichs, Christian Schwalb, Stefan Hummel, Harald Plank
Summary: In this study, 3D nanoprinting via focused electron beam induced deposition was used to fabricate all-metal nanoprobes for AFM-based electrical operation modes. By optimizing process parameters and material properties, high-resolution imaging and electrical conductivity were successfully achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dandan Li, Jiang Li, Jiao Hu, Mingjie Tang, Peng Xiu, Yunchang Guo, Tunan Chen, Ning Mu, Lihua Wang, Xuehua Zhang, Guizhao Liang, Huabin Wang, Chunhai Fan
Summary: Understanding how A beta 42 oligomers affect neurons from a mechanobiological perspective is crucial for studying neurodegenerative diseases. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we quantitatively investigate the nanomechanical properties of neurons exposed to A beta 42 oligomers. We establish a method called heterogeneity-load-unload nano mechanics (HLUN) which allows us to comprehensively profile the mechanical properties of living neurons and correlate them with biological effects.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zeinab Al-Rekabi, Suzanne L. Davies, Charles A. Clifford
Summary: The study characterized the nanomechanical properties of two types of industrial potato flakes using atomic force microscopy and showed that optimal samples were stiffer than sub-optimal samples. This suggests that probing the elastic properties of potato flakes can provide a differential assessment between optimal and sub-optimal samples for food industries.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Abhilash Chandrashekar, Pierpaolo Belardinelli, Stefano Lenci, Urs Staufer, Farbod Alijani
Summary: This study successfully increased the sensitivity of higher harmonics of an atomic force microscope cantilever through dynamic mode coupling, achieving tuning of harmonic frequencies while reducing sample indentation. The results of the study indicate that nonlinear mode coupling is one of the reasons for the increase in the amplitude of higher harmonics.
PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simone Benaglia, Sofia Drakopoulou, Fabio Biscarini, Ricardo Garcia
Summary: Understanding the interplay between the nanomechanical properties and electronic properties of organic electronic materials is crucial for developing sensors and transducers for various applications. In this study, bimodal AFM was used to investigate the nanomechanical and structural properties of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene-sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film during operation as a microelectrode in an electrolyte solution. It was observed that the film swelled in aqueous solution and the modulus significantly decreased after applying a sequence of doping/de-doping bias cycles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaqi Feng, Meichen Liu, Xinxin Li, Mi Li, Xiaojing Xing, Lianqing Liu
Summary: Cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carriers for intercellular communications, and mechanical forces play a crucial role in biological systems. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the nanomechanical properties of EVs from liquid biopsies of hematologic cancer patients were studied. The study revealed significant differences in EV mechanics among multiple myeloma patients, lymphoma patients, and healthy volunteers. This research unveils the unique nanomechanical signatures of EVs in hematologic cancers and has translational significance for cancer diagnosis and prognosis through liquid biopsies.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ujwal K. Thakur, Pawan Kumar, Sergey Gusarov, Alexander E. Kobryn, Saralyn Riddell, Ankur Goswami, Kazi M. Alam, Spencer Savela, Piyush Kar, Thomas Thundat, Alkiviathes Meldrum, Karthik Shankar
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kazi M. Alam, Pawan Kumar, Sergey Gusarov, Alexander E. Kobryn, Aarat P. Kalra, Sheng Zeng, Ankur Goswami, Thomas Thundat, Karthik Shankar
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Moein Mohammadi, Abhishek Kumar, Jun Liu, Yang Liu, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Abhishek Kumar, Mohammad Moein Mohammadi, Yaoli Zhao, Yang Liu, Jun Liu, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Summary: A hydrogen (H-2) sensor based on a Pd NWs @ rGO @ ZIF-8 nanocomposite has been developed, showing high sensitivity and rapid response to 1% H-2 in air through optimized design.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Syed A. Bukhari, Ryan McGee, Amirhossein Mahdavi, Farid Bensebaa, Liang Zhou, Hyun-Joong Chung, Thomas Thundat, Ankur Goswami
Summary: Vanadium dioxide (VO2) exhibits an insulator to metal transition at 68 degrees C, displaying significant changes in multiple physical properties. By precise strain engineering, the transition temperature can be reduced. A noncontact, all-optical platform is demonstrated to study macroscopic dynamics related to localized structural rearrangements. Multiple stable frequencies of the resonator can be activated at different optical powers and wavelengths, showing potential applications in ultrafast optical switching and intelligent temperature sensors.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhishek Kumar, Yaoli Zhao, Mohammad Moein Mohammadi, Jun Liu, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Summary: Palladium nanosheets (PdNS) show promising performance in gas sensing applications, especially for detecting H-2 and CO at room temperature. Compared to pure Pd-based sensors, using multiwalled carbon nanotube@PdNS (MWCNT@PdNS) composites can enhance sensor performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhishek Kumar, Yaoli Zhao, Shema Rachel Abraham, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Summary: A low-cost sensor using Pd alloy nanosheets on paper is developed for sensitive detection of hydrogen gas. The sensor exhibits improved stability and lower detection limit compared to conventional interdigitated electrode-based sensors. This simple manufacturing method opens up possibilities for widespread use in fuel-cell vehicles and related infrastructure.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Abhishek Kumar, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Summary: One-dimensional nanomaterials are widely studied for gas-sensing applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and efficient electron transport pathways. In this study, ultrathin PdNWs were synthesized using colloidal solvothermal synthesis and a sensor with fast response, recovery times, stability, and high selectivity for H-2 was fabricated.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Abhishek Kumar, Kaiwen Chen, Thomas Thundat, Mark T. Swihart
Summary: This paper presents a paper-based sensor using ultrathin palladium nanowires for room-temperature hydrogen detection. The polycrystalline PdNWs showed a response of 4.3% and the quasi-single-crystalline PdNWs showed a response of 8% to 1 vol% H2. The sensor demonstrates excellent selectivity, stability, and sensitivity, and has the potential to be a low-cost alternative to current H2-sensing solutions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaoli Zhao, Patatri Chakraborty, Ali Passian, Thomas Thundat
Summary: Molecular-level spectroscopy is essential for sensing and imaging applications, but the detection and quantification of minuscule quantities of chemicals are challenging, particularly when they adsorb in low numbers. In this study, a photothermal spectroscopic technique utilizing a microfabricated nanoscale thermocouple junction integrated into a microcantilever was introduced for high selectivity sensing of adsorbates with an attogram detection limit. The temperature variation driving the thermoelectric junction is caused by the nonradiative decay of molecular adsorbates' vibrational states on the tip. The detection of photothermal spectra of physisorbed trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) molecules, as well as representative polymers, with an estimated mass of 10^(-18) g was demonstrated.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sheng-Joue Young, Yi-Hsing Liu, M. D. Nahin Islam Shiblee, Kumkum Ahmed, Lin-Tzu Lai, Larry Nagahara, Thomas Thundat, Tsukasa Yoshida, Sandeep Arya, Hidemitsu Furukawa, Ajit Khosla
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Anuj Kumar, Ankur Goswami, Kirandeep Singh, Ryan McGee, Thomas Thundat, Davinder Kaur
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2019)
Article
Electrochemistry
Seonghwan Kim, Thomas Thundat
ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Liu, Keren Jiang, Lan Nguyen, Zhi Li, Thomas Thundat
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kamalesh Chaudhari, Tripti Ahuja, Vasanthanarayan Murugesan, Vidhya Subramanian, Mohd Azhardin Ganayee, Thomas Thundat, Thalappil Pradeep