Biomedical Studies and Cellular Imaging via Atomic Force Microscopy

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We have continued to develop biological atomic force microscopy (Bio-AFM), force sensing platforms, microscopy and spectroscopy methods, and related biosciences. In collaboration with NIH intramural and extramural scientists, we are working toward broader and more insightful biomedical applications of these biophysical methods. The range of biomedical collaborations this year include: (1) Preliminary collaboration with Dr. Amir Gandjbakhche (NICHD), Tom Pohida (CIT) and colleagues in developing diagnostic and monitoring methods and instruments with potential benefits to COVID-19 patients. (2) Our collaborations on multifunctional nanomedicine and theranostics with Dr. Xiaoyuan Chen (NIBIB) and co-investigators. We have applied Bio-AFM and related methodology to develop novel theranostics (such as precisely targeting and controllable release nanoparticles) and to investigate their anti-cancer and other biomedical properties. (3) Long-standing collaborations in the areas of biological membrane and cellular biophysics, e.g. (A) with Dr. Ling-gang Wu (NINDS) and coworkers to better understand synaptic transmission and neuronal communications in brain, (B) with Dr. Dan Sackett (NICHD) on Bio-AFM studies of microtubules interacting with approved or developing anti-cancer drugs and other agents, (C) with Prof. Eileen Lafer and Prof. Rui Sousa (Univ. Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio), Dr. Ralph Nossal (NICHD), and colleagues on protein clathrin and assemblies in receptor-mediated endocytosis and intracellular trafficking, (D) with Dr. Andrew Doyle (NIDCR), Dr. Kenneth Yamada (NIDCR), and Dr. Raimon Sunyer (Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Spain) on extra cellular matrix (ECM)-like collagen gels, (E) with Dr. Curtis Meuse (NIST) and coworkers on Bio-AFM and biophysical studies of amyloid-beta fibrils in the Alzheimer's disease. (4) Finally, our lasting commitment to developing a better clinical vaccine toward enhanced immunological response and eventual eradication of malaria. For over ten years and via Bio-AFM and related bioanalysis, we have investigated the macromolecular structure and nanomechanical properties of more malaria vaccine candidates and related samples with Dr. David Narum (NIAID, NIH) and colleagues. Bio-AFM imaging and force spectroscopy characterization at single macromolecule and assembly level can help define new vaccine constructs during their development.