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Mendová K, Otáhal M, Drab M, Daniel M. Size Matters: Rethinking Hertz Model Interpretation for Cell Mechanics Using AFM. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7186. [PMID: 39000293 PMCID: PMC11241038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell mechanics are a biophysical indicator of cell state, such as cancer metastasis, leukocyte activation, and cell cycle progression. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a widely used technique to measure cell mechanics, where the Young modulus of a cell is usually derived from the Hertz contact model. However, the Hertz model assumes that the cell is an elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous material and that the indentation is small compared to the cell size. These assumptions neglect the effects of the cytoskeleton, cell size and shape, and cell environment on cell deformation. In this study, we investigated the influence of cell size on the estimated Young's modulus using liposomes as cell models. Liposomes were prepared with different sizes and filled with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or hyaluronic acid (HA) to mimic the cytoplasm. AFM was used to obtain the force indentation curves and fit them to the Hertz model. We found that the larger the liposome, the lower the estimated Young's modulus for both PBS-filled and HA-filled liposomes. This suggests that the Young modulus obtained from the Hertz model is not only a property of the cell material but also depends on the cell dimensions. Therefore, when comparing or interpreting cell mechanics using the Hertz model, it is essential to account for cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Mendová
- Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technická 4, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Otáhal
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Náměstí Sítná 3105, 27201 Kladno, Czech Republic;
| | - Mitja Drab
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Matej Daniel
- Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technická 4, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic;
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2
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Medina-Ramirez IE, Macias-Diaz JE, Masuoka-Ito D, Zapien JA. Holotomography and atomic force microscopy: a powerful combination to enhance cancer, microbiology and nanotoxicology research. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:64. [PMID: 38594446 PMCID: PMC11003950 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Modern imaging strategies are paramount to studying living systems such as cells, bacteria, and fungi and their response to pathogens, toxicants, and nanomaterials (NMs) as modulated by exposure and environmental factors. The need to understand the processes and mechanisms of damage, healing, and cell survivability of living systems continues to motivate the development of alternative imaging strategies. Of particular interest is the use of label-free techniques (microscopy procedures that do not require sample staining) that minimize interference of biological processes by foreign marking substances and reduce intense light exposure and potential photo-toxicity effects. This review focuses on the synergic capabilities of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a well-developed and robust imaging strategy with demonstrated applications to unravel intimate details in biomedical applications, with the label-free, fast, and enduring Holotomographic Microscopy (HTM) strategy. HTM is a technique that combines holography and tomography using a low intensity continuous illumination laser to investigate (quantitatively and non-invasively) cells, microorganisms, and thin tissue by generating three-dimensional (3D) images and monitoring in real-time inner morphological changes. We first review the operating principles that form the basis for the complementary details provided by these techniques regarding the surface and internal information provided by HTM and AFM, which are essential and complimentary for the development of several biomedical areas studying the interaction mechanisms of NMs with living organisms. First, AFM can provide superb resolution on surface morphology and biomechanical characterization. Second, the quantitative phase capabilities of HTM enable superb modeling and quantification of the volume, surface area, protein content, and mass density of the main components of cells and microorganisms, including the morphology of cells in microbiological systems. These capabilities result from directly quantifying refractive index changes without requiring fluorescent markers or chemicals. As such, HTM is ideal for long-term monitoring of living organisms in conditions close to their natural settings. We present a case-based review of the principal uses of both techniques and their essential contributions to nanomedicine and nanotoxicology (study of the harmful effects of NMs in living organisms), emphasizing cancer and infectious disease control. The synergic impact of the sequential use of these complementary strategies provides a clear drive for adopting these techniques as interdependent fundamental tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana E Medina-Ramirez
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico.
| | - J E Macias-Diaz
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico
| | - David Masuoka-Ito
- Department of Stomatology, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio Zapien
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Gisbert VG, Espinosa FM, Sanchez JG, Serrano MC, Garcia R. Nanorheology and Nanoindentation Revealed a Softening and an Increased Viscous Fluidity of Adherent Mammalian Cells upon Increasing the Frequency. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304884. [PMID: 37775942 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The nanomechanical response of a cell depends on the frequency at which the cell is probed. The components of the cell that contribute to this property and their interplay are not well understood. Here, two force microscopy methods are integrated to characterize the frequency and/or the velocity-dependent properties of living cells. It is shown on HeLa and fibroblasts, that cells soften and fluidize upon increasing the frequency or the velocity of the deformation. This property was independent of the type and values (25 or 1000 nm) of the deformation. At low frequencies (2-10 Hz) or velocities (1-10 µm s-1 ), the response is dominated by the mechanical properties of the cell surface. At higher frequencies (>10 Hz) or velocities (>10 µm s-1 ), the response is dominated by the hydrodynamic drag of the cytosol. Softening and fluidization does not seem to involve any structural remodeling. It reflects a redistribution of the applied stress between the solid and liquid-like elements of the cell as the frequency or the velocity is changed. The data indicates that the quasistatic mechanical properties of a cell featuring a cytoskeleton pathology might be mimicked by the response of a non-pathological cell which is probed at a high frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Gisbert
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Francsico M Espinosa
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Juan G Sanchez
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Maria Concepcion Serrano
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/ Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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4
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Hall D. Simulating biological surface dynamics in high-speed atomic force microscopy experiments. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:2069-2079. [PMID: 38192349 PMCID: PMC10771409 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
High-speed atomic force microscopy (HSAFM) is an important tool for studying the dynamic behavior of large biomolecular assemblies at surfaces. However, unlike light microscopy techniques, which visualize each point in the field of view at the same time, in HSAFM, the surface is literally imaged pixel-by-pixel with a variable extent of time separation existing between recordings made at one pixel and all others within the surface image. Such "temporal asynchronicity" in the recording of the spatial information can introduce distortions into the image when the surface components move at a rate comparable to that at which the surface is imaged. This Letter describes recently released software developments that are able to predict the likely form of these distortions and estimate confidence levels when assigning the identity of observed structures. These described approaches may facilitate both the design and optimization of future HSAFM experimental protocols. Further to this, they may assist in the interpretation of results from already published HSAFM studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Hall
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1164 Japan
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5
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Zimron-Politi N, Tung RC. Contact resonance atomic force microscopy using long elastic tips. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 35:075503. [PMID: 37949047 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad0bd2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a new theoretical model for contact resonance atomic force microscopy, which incorporates the elastic dynamics of a long sensing tip is presented. The model is based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and includes coupling effects from the two-beam structure, also known as an 'L-shaped' beam in the literature. Here, high-accuracy prediction of the sample stiffness, using several vibration modes with a relative error smaller than 10% for practical working ranges, is demonstrated. A discussion on the model's capability to predict the dynamic phenomena of eigenmode veering and crossing, as the force applied to the sample increases, is presented. The L-shaped beam model presented here is also applicable for structural applications such as: micro-electro-mechanical systems, energy harvesting, and unmanned aerial vehicle landing gear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Zimron-Politi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557-0312, United States of America
| | - Ryan C Tung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557-0312, United States of America
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Hong TJ, Sivakumar C, Luo CW, Ho MS. Investigation of TiO 2 nanoparticle interactions in the fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells via liquid-mode atomic force microscope. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2893-2901. [PMID: 37612376 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03585-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Long before we recognized how significant they were, nanoparticles were already all around in the environment. Since then, an extensive number of synthetic nanoparticles have been engineered to improve our quality of life through rigorous scientific research on their uses in practically every industry, including semiconductor devices, food, medicine, and agriculture. The extensive usage of nanoparticles in commodities that come into proximity with human skin and internal organs through medicine has raised significant concerns over the years. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are widely employed in a wide range of industries, such as cosmetics and food packaging. The interaction and internalization of TiO2 NPs in living cells have been studied by the scientific community for many years. In the present study, we investigated the cell viability, nanomechanical characteristics, and fluorescence response of NIH-3T3 cells treated with sterile DMEM TiO2 nanoparticle solution using a liquid-mode atomic force microscope and a fluorescence microscope. Two different sorts of response systems have been observed in the cells depending on the size of the NPs. TiO2 nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm support its initial stages cell viability, and cells internalize and metabolize NPs. In contrast, bigger TiO2 NPs (> 100 nm) are not completely metabolized and cannot impair cell survival. Furthermore, bigger NPs above 100 nm could not be digested by the cells, therefore hindering cell development, whereas below 100 nm TiO2 stimulated uncontrolled cell growth akin to cancerous type cells. The cytoskeleton softens as a result of particle internalization, as seen by the nanomechanical characteristics of the nanoparticle treated cells. According to our investigations, TiO2 smaller than 100 nm facilitates unintended cancer cell proliferation, whereas larger NPs ultimately suppress cell growth. Before being incorporated into commercial products, similar effects or repercussions that could result from employing different NPs should be carefully examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tz-Ju Hong
- Department of Electrophysics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Wei Luo
- Department of Electrophysics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC), Hsinchu, 30076, Taiwan
- Institute of Physics and Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
- Taiwan Consortium of Emergent Crystalline Materials (TCECM), Ministry of Science and Technology, Taipei, 10601, Taiwan
| | - Mon-Shu Ho
- Department of Physics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 40227, Taiwan.
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7
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Wang Y, Troughton LD, Xu F, Chatterjee A, Ding C, Zhao H, Cifuentes LP, Wagner RB, Wang T, Tan S, Chen J, Li L, Umulis D, Kuang S, Suter DM, Yuan C, Chan D, Huang F, Oakes PW, Deng Q. Atypical peripheral actin band formation via overactivation of RhoA and nonmuscle myosin II in mitofusin 2-deficient cells. eLife 2023; 12:e88828. [PMID: 37724949 PMCID: PMC10550287 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell spreading and migration play central roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. We have previously shown that MFN2 regulates the migration of human neutrophil-like cells via suppressing Rac activation. Here, we show that in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, MFN2 suppresses RhoA activation and supports cell polarization. After initial spreading, the wild-type cells polarize and migrate, whereas the Mfn2-/- cells maintain a circular shape. Increased cytosolic Ca2+ resulting from the loss of Mfn2 is directly responsible for this phenotype, which can be rescued by expressing an artificial tether to bring mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum to close vicinity. Elevated cytosolic Ca2+ activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, RhoA, and myosin light-chain kinase, causing an overactivation of nonmuscle myosin II, leading to a formation of a prominent F-actin ring at the cell periphery and increased cell contractility. The peripheral actin band alters cell physics and is dependent on substrate rigidity. Our results provide a novel molecular basis to understand how MFN2 regulates distinct signaling pathways in different cells and tissue environments, which is instrumental in understanding and treating MFN2-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Lee D Troughton
- Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Fan Xu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Aritra Chatterjee
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Chang Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Laura P Cifuentes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Ryan B Wagner
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Shelly Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Jingjuan Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Linlin Li
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - David Umulis
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Shihuan Kuang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Daniel M Suter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Deva Chan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Fang Huang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Patrick W Oakes
- Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Qing Deng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University West LafayetteWest LafayetteUnited States
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8
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Farokh Payam A, Passian A. Imaging beyond the surface region: Probing hidden materials via atomic force microscopy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8292. [PMID: 37379392 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Probing material properties at surfaces down to the single-particle scale of atoms and molecules has been achieved, but high-resolution subsurface imaging remains a nanometrology challenge due to electromagnetic and acoustic dispersion and diffraction. The atomically sharp probe used in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has broken these limits at surfaces. Subsurface imaging is possible under certain physical, chemical, electrical, and thermal gradients present in the material. Of all the SPM techniques, atomic force microscopy has entertained unique opportunities for nondestructive and label-free measurements. Here, we explore the physics of the subsurface imaging problem and the emerging solutions that offer exceptional potential for visualization. We discuss materials science, electronics, biology, polymer and composite sciences, and emerging quantum sensing and quantum bio-imaging applications. The perspectives and prospects of subsurface techniques are presented to stimulate further work toward enabling noninvasive high spatial and spectral resolution investigation of materials including meta- and quantum materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Farokh Payam
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre, School of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Ali Passian
- Quantum Computing and Sensing, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
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Krasilin A, Khalisov M, Khrapova E, Ugolkov V, Enyashin A, Ankudinov A. Thermal Treatment Impact on the Mechanical Properties of Mg 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4 Nanoscrolls. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:9023. [PMID: 36556829 PMCID: PMC9781576 DOI: 10.3390/ma15249023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A group of phyllosilicate nanoscrolls conjoins several hydrosilicate layered compounds with a size mismatch between octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. Among them, synthetic Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 chrysotile nanoscrolls (obtained via the hydrothermal method) possess high thermal stability and mechanical properties, making them prospective composite materials fillers. However, accurate determination of these nano-objects with Young's modulus remains challenging. Here, we report on a study of the mechanical properties evolution of individual synthetic phyllosilicate nanoscrolls after a series of heat treatments, observed with an atomic force microscopy and calculated using the density functional theory. It appears that the Young's modulus, as well as shear deformation's contribution to the nanoscrolls mechanical behavior, can be controlled by heat treatment. The main reason for this is the heat-induced formation of covalent bonding between the adjacent layers, which complicate the shear deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maksim Khalisov
- Ioffe Institute, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the RAS, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Valery Ugolkov
- Grebenshchikov Institute of Silicate Chemistry of the RAS, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Enyashin
- Institute of Solid State Chemistry UB RAS, 620108 Ekaterinburg, Russia
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10
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Kahle ER, Patel N, Sreenivasappa HB, Marcolongo MS, Han L. Targeting cell-matrix interface mechanobiology by integrating AFM with fluorescence microscopy. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 176:67-81. [PMID: 36055517 PMCID: PMC9691605 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensing at the interface of a cell and its surrounding microenvironment is an essential driving force of physiological processes. Understanding molecular activities at the cell-matrix interface has the potential to provide novel targets for improving tissue regeneration and early disease intervention. In the past few decades, the advancement of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has offered a unique platform for probing mechanobiology at this crucial microdomain. In this review, we describe key advances under this topic through the use of an integrated system of AFM (as a biomechanical testing tool) with complementary immunofluorescence (IF) imaging (as an in situ navigation system). We first describe the body of work investigating the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM), the immediate cell micro-niche, in healthy, diseased, and genetically modified tissues, with a focus on articular cartilage. We then summarize the key findings in understanding cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction, in which, molecular mechanisms governing transmembrane ion channel-mediated mechanosensing, cytoskeleton remodeling, and nucleus remodeling have been studied in various cell and tissue types. Lastly, we provide an overview of major technical advances that have enabled more in-depth studies of mechanobiology, including the integration of AFM with a side-view microscope, multiple optomicroscopy, a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) module, and a tensile stretching device. The innovations described here have contributed greatly to advancing the fundamental knowledge of extracellular matrix biomechanics and cell mechanobiology for improved understanding, detection, and intervention of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Kahle
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Neil Patel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Harini B Sreenivasappa
- Cell Imaging Center, Office of Research and Innovation, Drexel University, PA 19104, United States
| | - Michele S Marcolongo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, United States
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Arafa KK, Ibrahim A, Mergawy R, El-Sherbiny IM, Febbraio F, Hassan RYA. Advances in Cancer Diagnosis: Bio-Electrochemical and Biophysical Characterizations of Cancer Cells. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13091401. [PMID: 36144024 PMCID: PMC9504238 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a worldwide leading cause of death, and it is projected that newly diagnosed cases globally will reach 27.5 million each year by 2040. Cancers (malignant tumors), unlike benign tumors are characterized by structural and functional dedifferentiation (anaplasia), breaching of the basement membrane, spreading to adjacent tissues (invasiveness), and the capability to spread to distant sites (metastasis). In the cancer biology research field, understanding and characterizing cancer metastasis as well as features of cell death (apoptosis) is considered a technically challenging subject of study and clinically is very critical and necessary. Therefore, in addition to the cytochemical methods traditionally used, novel biophysical and bioelectrochemical techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), atomic force microscopy, and electron microscopic methods are increasingly being deployed to better understand these processes. Implementing those methods at the preclinical level enables the rapid screening of new anticancer drugs with understanding of their central mechanism for cancer therapy. In this review, principles and basic concepts of new techniques suggested for metastasis, and apoptosis examinations for research purposes are introduced, along with examples of each technique. From our recommendations, the privilege of combining the bio-electrochemical and biosensing techniques with the conventional cytochemical methods either for research or for biomedical diagnosis should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kholoud K. Arafa
- Nanoscience Program, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Alaa Ibrahim
- Nanoscience Program, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Reem Mergawy
- Nanoscience Program, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. El-Sherbiny
- Nanoscience Program, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rabeay Y. A. Hassan
- Nanoscience Program, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +20-1129216152
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