Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingyuan Nie, Yibing Deng, Fang Tian, Shengchao Shi, Peng Zheng
Summary: Cation-pi interaction plays a crucial role in biological systems but its experimental verification and quantification at the molecular level are limited. In this study, atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy was used to measure the stability and kinetics of NGAL protein with cation-pi interactions. The results demonstrated the high-precision detection of weak cation-pi interaction in NGAL.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen Zagorski, Tommy Stormberg, Mohtadin Hashemi, Anatoly B. Kolomeisky, Yuri L. Lyubchenko
Summary: The interplay between the mechanical properties of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA plays an important role in genetic processes. In this study, DNA nanorings were designed to investigate the stretching effect of double-stranded DNA on single-stranded DNA. The results showed that the stretching effect was consistent with theoretical estimates. Furthermore, time-lapse observations revealed dynamic behavior of the DNA rings, allowing for the formation of various morphologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Corregidor, Raquel Tabraue, Luis Colchero, Rafael Daza, Manuel Elices, Gustavo Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: Single molecule interactions between biotin and streptavidin were characterized using DeepTip (TM) probes, and a comprehensive methodology for high-yield identification and analysis of single molecular events was developed. The methodology involves covalently binding the target molecule and sensing molecule to a surface and DeepTip (TM) probe, respectively, and characterizing the interaction through force-displacement curves in an atomic force microscope. The results demonstrate consistent molecular resolution with a success rate of over 90% and minimal unspecific interactions, highlighting the robustness and versatility of the methodology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marc Mora, Stephanie Board, Olivier Languin-Cattoen, Laura Masino, Guillaume Stirnemann, Sergi Garcia-Manyes
Summary: Non-native disulfide bonds are dynamic covalent bridges formed in proteins, which can be detected using mechanical force and are associated with protein function and aggregation diseases.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Mi Li, Lianqing Liu, Tomaso Zambelli
Summary: Fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM), combining AFM with microchanneled cantilevers, allows for force-sensitive nanopipette manipulation under aqueous conditions. It has unique advantages in simultaneous three-dimensional manipulations and mechanical measurements at the micro-/nanoscale, showing great potential in biophysical assays, particularly at the single-cell level.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Arnaud Caron
Summary: This study investigates the friction between PDMS and SiOx in single asperity sliding contact using AFM. Friction has two dependencies on the normal force: a tensile regime and a compressive regime. Friction in the compressive regime is governed by shear deformation and rupture of junctions, while in the tensile regime, it is also affected by junction elongation. The single SiOx-asperity exhibits stick-slip motion on PDMS in both regimes. Statistical analysis allows determining the energy required to break a SiOx/PDMS junction.
Article
Polymer Science
Jin Hau Lew, Omar K. Matar, Erich A. Mueller, Paul F. Luckham, Adrielle Sousa Santos, Maung Maung Myo Thant
Summary: In this study, the interaction between hydrolysed polyacrylamide (HPAM) with different molecular weights and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that the presence of polymers, salt concentration, and molecular weight have significant effects on the interaction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baptiste Arbez, Marion Gardette, Christophe Gantzer, Neus Vila, Isabelle Bertrand, Sofiane El-Kirat-Chatel
Summary: This study investigates the adhesion of phage 187 on living Staphylococcus aureus cells using atomic force microscopy-based single-particle force spectroscopy. The addition of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was found to decrease phage adhesion, suggesting its important role in phage 187 infection. The research also successfully identifies a major receptor required for phage 187 infection of S. aureus.
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.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hai Lei, Junsheng Zhang, Ying Li, Xin Wang, Meng Qin, Wei Wang, Yi Cao
Summary: In this study, a histidine-specific phosphorylation strategy was developed to covalently anchor proteins to an atomic force microscopy. This method improved the data quality of single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments and was successfully applied to investigate the mechanical stability and unfolding process of proteins.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Khalil Chennit, Yannick Coffinier, Shuo Li, Nicolas Clement, Agnes Anne, Arnaud Chovin, Christophe Demaille
Summary: This paper reports the fabrication and electrochemical interrogation of very high density single-antibody nanoarrays. The occupancy of nanodots by single antibody molecules is demonstrated using ensemble scale interrogation and nanoscale interrogation techniques. The possibility of using single-antibody nanoarrays for digital electrochemical immunoassays is evidenced by experiments involving competitive adsorption of antibodies.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoye Zhang, Dandan Li, Yu Song, Wenke Zhang
Summary: In this study, the mechanical stability and melting pathway of highly stereoregular syndiotactic polypropylene (s-PP) were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). It was found that crystal thickness and structure have significant impacts on mechanical stability and melting pathway.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Javier Sotres, Hannah Boyd, Juan F. Gonzalez-Martinez
Summary: Scanning probe microscopies offer a powerful tool for investigating surfaces at the nanoscale, but their full potential is hindered by the need for experienced users, data analysis challenges, and time-consuming experiments. Researchers have developed an algorithm utilizing deep learning techniques to control the operation of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), bringing SPM closer to full autonomous operation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengyu Xu, Qingtai Li, Yaying Huang, Kaiqiang Guo, Bin Xue, Yi Cao, Yiran Li
Summary: Nonspecific interactions play a significant role in various physiological processes and require effective control in scientific and biomedical applications. This study introduces Y-shape PEG as a promising candidate for minimizing nonspecific binding, demonstrated through single-molecule force spectroscopy and fluorescence staining imaging experiments. The results indicate that Y-shape PEG effectively blocks nonspecific interactions and offers potential applications in surface modification and adhesives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmad Aljohmani, Bastian Opitz, Markus Bischoff, Daniela Yildiz
Summary: This study found that infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae stimulates the activation of ADAM10 in epithelial cells, leading to inflammatory cell recruitment and loss of barrier integrity. The activation is based on the toxin repertoire rather than the bacterial particle itself.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Walter Hofer, Emilia Oueis, Antoine Abou Fayad, Felix Deschner, Anastasia Andreas, Lais Pessanha de Carvalho, Stephan Huettel, Steffen Bernecker, Linda Paetzold, Bernd Morgenstern, Nestor Zaburannyi, Markus Bischoff, Marc Stadler, Jana Held, Jennifer Herrmann, Rolf Mueller
Summary: The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to public health. Chlorotonil, a new antibiotic targeting multidrug resistant pathogens, was found to have promising activities. However, its pharmaceutical properties needed improvement. By semisynthesis, derivatives with enhanced solubility were obtained, and their stability and activity were verified in vivo.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hannah Benthien, Beate Fresenborg, Linda Paetzold, Mohamed Ibrahem Elhawy, Sylvaine Huc-Brandt, Christoph Beisswenger, Gabriela Krasteva-Christ, Soren L. Becker, Virginie Molle, Johannes K. Knobloch, Markus Bischoff
Summary: This study reveals the essential role of SpoVG in the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis on artificial surfaces. SpoVG promotes biofilm formation by modulating the expression of ica genes. However, SpoVG is largely dispensable for biofilm formation of this skin commensal under in vivo conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minh-Thu Nguyen, Leonhard Hubert Schellerhoff, Silke Niemann, Frieder Schaumburg, Mathias Herrmann
Summary: This article introduces an improved protocol for preparing monocytes, which allows the assessment of cytokine release upon external stimulation. By adding a quiescence step, the protocol provides a stable and activatable pure monocyte population.
Review
Microbiology
Chantal Akoua-Koffi, Adele Kacou N'Douba, Joseph Allico Djaman, Mathias Herrmann, Frieder Schaumburg, Silke Niemann
Summary: The Staphylococcus aureus-related complex is composed of multiple species, with S. schweitzeri mainly found in African wildlife and rarely causing infections in humans. However, misidentification may lead to underreporting of S. schweitzeri in humans. Despite the low number of isolates in humans, in vitro assays suggest that S. schweitzeri might be as virulent as S. aureus. Antimicrobial resistance studies show that S. schweitzeri is susceptible to tested antibiotics.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Oliver Schneider, Alessia Moruzzi, Stefanie Fuchs, Alina Grobel, Henrike S. Schulze, Torsten Mayr, Peter Loskill
Summary: Over the past decade, Organ-on-Chip (OoC) has emerged as a promising technology for advanced in vitro models that mimic key physiological cues. A novel concept using spheroids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells is presented for cell injection and tissue generation, allowing for large-scale production of uniform-sized spheroids. These spheroids are then transported and accumulated in dogbone-shaped tissue chambers, where they fuse and form aligned, contracting cardiac muscle fibers. The study also demonstrates electrical stimulation capabilities using fluidic media connectors as electrodes and incorporates optical O2 sensor spots into resin-based microfluidic systems for in situ determination of O2 partial pressures. Overall, this system provides a blueprint for integrating biophysical stimulation and probing capabilities in advanced Organ-on-Chip technology, facilitating the facile and robust generation of high-density microtissues that can be scaled-up and automated.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ulgu Arslan, Alessia Moruzzi, Joanna Nowacka, Christine L. Mummery, Dominik Eckardt, Peter Loskill, Valeria V. Orlova
Summary: Models of heart disease and drug responses are shifting towards the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) due to their superior ability to capture human heart (dys-)function compared to animal models. However, simple monolayer cultures of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes have limitations. This review discusses the strategies for overcoming these limitations by using more complex and multi cell-type models in 3D, as well as efforts to develop readouts and sensors for monitoring tissue- and cell physiology.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Julia Rogal, Katharina Schluender, Peter Loskill
Summary: This paper presents the development process of organ-on-chip research, covering various key stages from the initial idea to the final application. By summarizing the experiences and findings of developers, it provides a conceptual guide for the holistic development of organ-on-chip models.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Biology
Esther Olunoiki, Jacqueline Rehner, Markus Bischoff, Elena Koshel, Thomas Vogt, Jorg Reichrath, Soren L. Becker
Summary: This article provides an overview of the relationship between skin microbiota and health, as well as the association between various skin diseases and microbial dysbiosis. It also discusses how recent research approaches in skin microbiome studies may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods in the foreseeable future.
Article
Microbiology
Charlotte Huber, Silver A. Wolf, Wilma Ziebuhr, Mark A. Holmes, Julia Assmann, Antina Luebke-Becker, Andrea Thuermer, Torsten Semmler, Julian Brombach, Astrid Bethe, Markus Bischoff, Lothar H. Wieler, Lennard Epping, Birgit Walther
Summary: Previous research found limited differences between MSSA and MRSA isolated from pig farming environments, mainly related to the absence of SCCmec and some single nucleotide polymorphisms. LA-MRSA were shown to discard replicative SCCmec elements through homologous recombination to save energy from an evolutionary perspective. MRSA exhibited differential global transcriptomic responses when exposed to specific pig-farm associated conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Alessia Moruzzi, Tanvi Shroff, Silke Keller, Peter Loskill, Madalena Cipriano
Summary: OoC technology combines biology and engineering principles to create new in vitro models, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration. A questionnaire was used to evaluate training aspects and identify stakeholders, professional levels, and specific skillsets. The respondents agreed on the need to train the next generation of OoC researchers early and in interdisciplinary subjects throughout their careers.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa Abdrabou, Issa Sy, Markus Bischoff, Manuel J. Arroyo, Soeren L. Becker, Alexander Mellmann, Lutz von Mueller, Barbara Gaertner, Fabian K. Berger
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using MALDI-TOF technology combined with machine learning models to distinguish between hypervirulent and non-hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile. The results showed that certain machine learning models could accurately differentiate between hypervirulent and non-hypervirulent strains with a high accuracy rate and further sub-cluster the hypervirulent strains into three subgroups. The conclusion is that MALDI-TOF combined with machine learning is a reliable tool for rapid identification of major European hypervirulent strains.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nadhuma Youssouf, Marianne Martin, Markus Bischoff, Philippe Soubeyran, Laila Gannoun-Zaki, Virginie Molle
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus inhibits the host SUMOylation response to enhance its survival and persistence within the host.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Max Urbanczyk, Aline Zbinden, Shannon L. Layland, Lucas Becker, Julia Marzi, Mariella Bosch, Peter Loskill, Garry P. Duffy, Katja Schenke-Layland
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Monika Hollenhorst, Rajender Nandigama, Saskia B. Evers, Igor Gamayun, Noran Abdel Wadood, Alaa Salah, Mario Pieper, Amanda Wyatt, Alexey Stukalov, Anna Gebhardt, Wiebke Nadolni, Wera Burow, Christian Herr, Christoph Beisswenger, Soumya Kusumakshi, Fabien Ectors, Tatjana Kichko, Lisa Huebner, Peter Reeh, Antje Munder, Sandra-Maria Wienhold, Martin Witzenrath, Robert Bals, Veit Flockerzi, Thomas Gudermann, Markus Bischoff, Peter Lipp, Susanna Zierler, Vladimir Chubanov, Andreas Pichlmair, Peter Koenig, Ulrich Boehm, Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
Summary: This study reveals that tracheal brush cells express functional taste receptors and that bitter taste signaling induces neurogenic inflammation, which mediates secretion of immune mediators and defense against bacterial infections.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)