Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Leo Sala, Tomas Perecko, Oto Mestek, Dominik Pinkas, Tomas Homola, Jaroslav Kocisek
Summary: In this study, cisplatin was utilized as a therapeutic and cross-linking agent for DNA origami nanostructures. The loading of cisplatin molecules onto the nanostructures showed time dependence and gradual release. Structural distortions were observed when the number of loaded cisplatin molecules exceeded a certain threshold. Cisplatin-loaded DNA origami nanostructures exhibited significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells, making them a promising drug carrier.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lohra M. Miller, Benjamin E. Draper, Lauren F. Barnes, Polycarp C. Ofoegbu, Martin F. Jarrold
Summary: Conventional mass spectrometry of nucleic acids is complicated by counter ions, limiting the analysis of DNA size. This study overcomes this limitation using charge detection mass spectrometry to analyze megadalton-sized DNA. Different charge distributions are observed for DNA plasmids, with a low-charge population resembling compact DNA and a higher-charge population with a broad charge range. The high-charge population is attributed to supercoiled plasmids in random coil configuration, while the low-charge population is attributed to a condensed form of the plasmid.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria J. Rodriguez-Espinosa, Javier M. Rodriguez, Jose R. Caston, Pedro J. de Pablo
Summary: In this study, we investigated the cargo retention of individual human picobirnavirus virus-like particles with different N-terminal topologies of the capsid protein. Our results show that these different topologies result in distinct cargo release dynamics during mechanical disassembly experiments due to their different interaction with RNA.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haruhiko Eki, Katsuhiko Abe, Hiroshi Sugiyama, Masayuki Endo
Summary: This study used atomic force microscopy to directly observe the formation and degradation of tensegrity triangle DNA crystals at a molecular level, visualizing the dynamic process and characterizing them with nanoscale resolution.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anders Marcher, Minke A. D. Nijenhuis, Kurt V. Gothelf
Summary: An antibody DNA wireframe cube conjugate has been developed for precise control of the drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) in ADCs for cancer treatment. This method utilizes DNA functionalization to tightly control DAR, with gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy used for investigation, and successful application in targeted drug delivery in vitro.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcel Hanke, Niklas Hansen, Emilia Tomm, Guido Grundmeier, Adrian Keller
Summary: The study investigated the denaturation of DNA origami nanostructures by different Gdm salts, with guanidinium thiocyanate being the most potent denaturant. The results also revealed a non-monotonous temperature dependence of DNA origami denaturation in guanidinium sulfate, emphasizing the complexity of Gdm-DNA interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Toshiaki Nakano, Ken Akamatsu, Masataka Tsuda, Ayane Tujimoto, Ryoichi Hirayama, Takeshi Hiromoto, Taro Tamada, Hiroshi Ide, Naoya Shikazono
Summary: This study established a method to evaluate the yield and complexity of clustered DNA damage in irradiated cells using atomic force microscopy. It was found that clustered DNA damage is a signature of ionizing radiation, and Fe ion beams produce clustered DNA damage with high complexity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keivan Asadi, Junghoon Yeom, Hanna Cho
Summary: Investigating internal resonance (IR) mechanisms in micro/nanoresonators reveals that intermodal coupling between second and third flexural modes in asymmetric structures provides an optimal condition for strong IR, with high energy transfer to the resonated mode. This study introduces design strategies that can be easily integrated into typical micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, offering potential for paradigm-shifting applications in micro/nanosystems.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex Evilevitch, Sophia Hohlbauch
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical response of the nucleus during the initial stage of herpesvirus infection by using atomic force microscopy. It was found that the chromatin becomes stiffer while the nuclear lamina becomes softer after the injection of viral DNA, which may contribute to maintaining nuclear integrity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Mengxi Zheng, Qian Li, Victoria E. Paluzzi, Jong Hyun Choi, Chengde Mao
Summary: Supramolecular polymers have unique characteristics, DNA is used as a model system to engineer innovative, nanoscaled morphologies of supramolecular polymers, obtaining a range of polymer morphologies including straight chains, spirals, and closed rings with finite sizes.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
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
Physics, Applied
Shiquan Lin, Zhong Lin Wang
Summary: Inspired by TENG, scanning TENG is proposed for local surface charge density measurement using atomic force microscopy. The technique taps a conductive tip above a charged dielectric surface to induce an AC, with Fourier analysis showing a linear relation to surface charge density. Results demonstrate its power in probing nanoscale charge transfer in contact-electrification.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Xin, Amir Ardalan Zargariantabrizi, Guido Grundmeier, Adrian Keller
Summary: This study evaluated three approaches for efficiently immobilizing DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) on mica surfaces under essentially Mg2+-free conditions, finding that pre-adsorption of different multivalent cations can replace Mg2+ and successfully immobilize DONs.
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
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Huiyao Shi, Jialin Shi, Yang Yang, Si Tang, Chanmin Su, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This article proposes continuous and interval scanning laser Doppler methods based on the scanning of spherical structures to expand the measuring capability of SLDV methods. A spherical structure is introduced to simplify the solution to spiral vibrations, and high-precision displacement can be calculated by fitting the circular scanning curve. The scanning method for 3-D displacement measurement is experimentally validated, and the theoretical errors are demonstrated. This work provides a new methodology for high-precision displacement measurement using a single-point SLDV, which is expected to have a long-term impact on industry vibration analysis and biological motion research. Most importantly, it enables 3-D cross-scale repeated localization in micro-nano robots by setting a reflector with a spherical surface on the end-effector.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yanyu Gu, Chuang Zhang, Yiwei Zhang, Wenjun Tan, Xiaobin Yu, Tianbiao Zhang, Lianqing Liu, Ying Zhao, Lina Hao
Summary: Cell models can express a variety of cell information, and their analysis allows for a comprehensive understanding of cell physiology. This paper systematically reviews the development of various cell mechanical models, including continuum theoretical models and microstructural models. The strengths and weaknesses of each model are analyzed, and potential challenges and applications in the development of cell mechanical models are discussed.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOBIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shuang Ma, Xiaofang Zhang, Dan Dang, Wenxue Wang, Yuechao Wang, Lianqing Liu, Tianlu Wang
Summary: The mechanical properties of cells are crucial for regulating cellular activities and reflecting the state of macro-organisms. This study introduces a method for characterizing single cells by modeling the dynamics of their mechanical properties measured with an atomic force microscope. The method uses a linear model and system matrix to describe the mechanical dynamics of a single cell. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms conventional methods in classifying different cell types, achieving an average classification accuracy of over 90%. The developed method is of great significance for clinically assisting pathological diagnosis by classifying different cancer types based on the mechanical properties of tumor cells.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOBIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wenyuan Chen, Guangyong Li, Ning Li, Wenxue Wang, Peng Yu, Ruiqian Wang, Xiujuan Xue, Xingang Zhao, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This study develops a novel foot-controlled hand/forearm exoskeleton to help stroke patients with hemiparetic upper limbs restore their activities of daily living. The testing results show that the exoskeleton can assist patients in achieving voluntary forearm rotation and hand gestures, helping them regain some of their voluntary activities. This research provides a viable method for stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis to restore upper limb activities.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiajia Wei, Mi Li
Summary: This study investigates the combined effects of fluid mechanics and matrix stiffness on the mechanical behaviors of single cells by integrating atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a fluidic cell medium device and hydrogel technology. The results show that, under the simulated shear flow effects in the fluidic medium conditions, the elastic and viscous properties of cells grown on substrates with different stiffnesses undergo significant alterations. Changes in the subcellular structure and surface structure of cells are observed by fluorescence microscopy and AFM morphological imaging, respectively.
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
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ruoyu Chen, Yuliang Zhao, Yongliang Yang, Shuyu Wang, Lianjiang Li, Xiaopeng Sha, Lianqing Liu, Guanglie Zhang, Wen Jung Li
Summary: In order to efficiently characterize carcasses of domestic birds in China, a noncontact and automated weighing method was developed. The weight of the duck carcasses was estimated using a convolutional neural network model trained on acquired images. Our model showed improved accuracy compared to existing methods.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Daojing Lin, Wenyuan Chen, Kai He, Niandong Jiao, Zhidong Wang, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This article presents a minimalist structured multisection magnetic continuum robot for minimally invasive surgery, which exhibits dexterous and accurate motion capability. The robot is capable of deforming in a higher order curve under the influence of an external mobile magnet, making it suitable for hard-to-access regions of the body. Using a Jacobian-based inverse kinematics method, the robot achieves precise tip position and orientation control, as well as multisection control in three dimensions. Various medical applications of the robot are showcased, highlighting its potential in real-world clinical tasks.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Review
Microscopy
Mi Li
Summary: The advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has provided a powerful tool for studying the structures and properties of living biological systems with high resolution. AFM can be used in combination with other techniques to comprehensively analyze the multidimensional properties of biological systems, particularly in single-cell studies. This review discusses the typical combinations of AFM and complementary techniques and their applications in single-cell analysis, as well as future perspectives.
JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Xiaoyang Qin, Yongliang Yang, Mengyun Pan, Long Cui, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This study presents a robot platform called Morphobot for morphogenetic engineering in swarm robotics. It has precise motion control, physical interactions, and functionalized shells. The results demonstrate that Morphobot swarms can form patterns through physical interactions and optical communications.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaqi Feng, Mi Li
Summary: Mechanical cues have a significant impact on physiological and pathological processes, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as an essential tool for measuring the mechanical properties of individual cells. This study presents the integration of AFM and micropipette micromanipulation, enabling precise three-dimensional manipulations and nanomechanical measurements of living cells. The study demonstrates the potential of micropipette-assisted AFM for understanding the mechanical cues involved in cellular processes and advancing the field of mechanobiology.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Wenjun Tan, Chuang Zhang, Ruiqian Wang, Yiwei Zhang, Lianchao Yang, Qin Chen, Feifei Wang, Yezhong Tang, Ning Xi, Lianqing Liu
Summary: The surface of the rock-climbing fish is covered with a microhexagonal texture structure, which can enhance liquid spreading quickly and evenly by regulating the moving contact line of the liquid. This superspreading mechanism is vital for understanding interface wetting and antifouling and has great potential applications in various fields.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Luo, Chaodi Jiang, Yangdong Wen, Xiaoduo Wang, Feifei Wang, Lianqing Liu, Haibo Yu
Summary: The resolution of fluorescence imaging has been enhanced by the development of super-resolution techniques, but the resolution of bright-field imaging lags behind. This study uses microsphere superlenses to simultaneously enhance the resolution of both imaging techniques and achieves correlated super-resolution imaging. This allows for clear observation of the precise distribution of nanoparticles in cells and has the potential to capture ultrafast biological activity with high temporal resolutions.
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Mi Li
Summary: Single-cell analysis is a promising field in life sciences, allowing the exploration of fundamental laws of physiological and pathological processes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool capable of non-destructive imaging and quantitative measurement of structural and mechanical properties of single living cells. AFM has been widely used in cancer research, providing unique insights into tumor pathogenesis from a biomechanical perspective.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Yan-Qi, Feng Ya-Qi, Wei Jia-Jia, Li Mi
Summary: The research combines multiparametric AFM imaging with AFM indentation assay to investigate the structural and mechanical dynamics of single native virus particles in response to chemical stimuli under aqueous conditions. The results show that AFM can well characterize the structures and mechanical properties of single virus particles in liquids, and the virus particles exhibit different elastic and adhesive properties in air and in liquid. After the treatment of alcohol, the virus particles become irregular in shape and stiffer as well as less deformable.
PROGRESS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2023)
