Scanning Probe Microscopy Techniques for Studying the Cell Glycocalyx.

The glycocalyx is a brush-like layer that covers the surfaces of the membranes of most cell types. It consists of a mixture of carbohydrates, mainly glycoproteins and proteoglycans. Due to its structure and sensitivity to environmental conditions, it represents a complicated object to investigate.

Scanning Ion-Conductance Microscopy for Studying Mechanical Properties of Neuronal Cells during Local Delivery of Glutamate.

Mechanical properties of neuronal cells have a key role for growth, generation of traction forces, adhesion, migration, etc. Mechanical properties are regulated by chemical signaling, neurotransmitters, and neuronal ion exchange. Disturbance of chemical signaling is accompanied by several diseases such as ischemia, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Protein Corona Attenuates the Targeting of Antitumor Sialyl Lewis X-Decorated Liposomes to Vascular Endothelial Cells under Flow Conditions.

Previously, we showed in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model that a liposome formulation of melphalan lipophilic prodrug (MlphDG) decorated with selectin ligand tetrasaccharide Sialyl Lewis X (SiaLe) undergoes specific uptake by activated cells and in an in vivo tumor model causes a severe antivascular effect. Here, we cultured HUVECs in a microfluidic chip and then applied the liposome formulations to study their interactions with the cells in situ under hydrodynamic conditions close to capillary blood flow using confocal fluorescent microscopy. The incorporation of 5 to 10% SiaLe conjugate in the bilayer of MlphDG liposomes increased their consumption exclusively by activated endotheliocytes.

Changes in the Surface Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 3, the Induction of Apoptosis, and the Inhibition of Cell-Cycle Progression of Human Multidrug-Resistant Jurkat/A4 Cells Exposed to a Random Positioning Machine.

Experiments from flight- and ground-based model systems suggest that unexpected alterations of the human lymphoblastoid cell line Jurkat, as well as effects on cell growth, metabolism, and apoptosis, can occur in altered gravity conditions. Using a desktop random positioning machine (RPM), we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on Jurkat cells and their multidrug-resistant subline, Jurkat/A4 cells. The viability of Jurkat/A4 cells decreased after simulated microgravity in contrast with the Jurkat cells.

Label-free sensitive detection of influenza virus using PZT discs with a synthetic sialylglycopolymer receptor layer.

We describe rapid, label-free detection of Influenza A viruses using the first radial mode of oscillations of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric discs with a 2 mm radius and 100 µm thickness fabricated from a piezoelectric membrane. The discs are modified with a synthetic sialylglycopolymer receptor layer, and the coated discs are inserted in a flowing virus suspension. Label-free detection of the virus is achieved by monitoring the disc radial mode resonance frequency shift.