Abstract:Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is promising for the manipulation of biomolecular components and has potential applications in biomedicine and bionanotechnology. Microtubules, nanoscopic tubular structures self-assembled from protein tubulin, serve as important components in basic cellular processes as well as in engineered biomolecular nanosystems. Recent studies in cell-based models have demonstrated that PEF affects the cytoskeleton, including microtubules. However, the direct effects of PEF on micro… Show more
“…Furthermore, suitable chip technology is required that integrates microfluidics for the sample position and manipulation, electrodes system capable of delivering high EF strengths at sufficiently broad frequency bandwidth (required for ns and shorter electric pulses) and compatibility with the advanced microscopy techniques mentioned above. The integrated technology platforms presented, e.g., in [30] , [65] , fulfill all such requirements when coupled to proper imaging techniques.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Although there are several experimental [28] , [30] , [31] , [32] and theoretical works [21] , [23] , [33] demonstrating, for example, that an EF can affect the structure of tubulin and microtubules (MTs) [23] and can be used to steer MTs in kinesin gliding assays [11] , little is known about the direct effect of an external EF on kinesin itself. Molecular dynamics simulations, in which EF and mechanical pull were combined, have shown that an intense oscillating EF (up to 10 GHz) affects (mostly decreases) the affinity of kinesin toward tubulin [34] , [35] .…”
“…Furthermore, suitable chip technology is required that integrates microfluidics for the sample position and manipulation, electrodes system capable of delivering high EF strengths at sufficiently broad frequency bandwidth (required for ns and shorter electric pulses) and compatibility with the advanced microscopy techniques mentioned above. The integrated technology platforms presented, e.g., in [30] , [65] , fulfill all such requirements when coupled to proper imaging techniques.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Although there are several experimental [28] , [30] , [31] , [32] and theoretical works [21] , [23] , [33] demonstrating, for example, that an EF can affect the structure of tubulin and microtubules (MTs) [23] and can be used to steer MTs in kinesin gliding assays [11] , little is known about the direct effect of an external EF on kinesin itself. Molecular dynamics simulations, in which EF and mechanical pull were combined, have shown that an intense oscillating EF (up to 10 GHz) affects (mostly decreases) the affinity of kinesin toward tubulin [34] , [35] .…”
“… Fig. 7 ( A ) Total-internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy platform with chip (adapted from [ 155 ]) ( B ) demonstrates the capability of the chip – detachment of antibody-bound microtubules from a surface and their translocation and concentration. ( C , D ) TIRF microscopy images before and after the application of 100× 5 μs, 2.5 MV/m s electric pulses fired at 10 Hz frequency, microtubules are red-labeled fibers.…”
Section: Electro-manipulation Of Protein Structure and Functionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In our opinion, studies of the effect of the electric field on the structure and intermolecular interactions of proteins with other molecules or conductive (or biomimetic) surfaces are interesting research areas. In this review, we demonstrated this on cytoskeletal proteins using chip technologies and computational methods [ 133 , 143 , 155 , 156 , 160 ]. Intense short electrical pulses can modulate the network of non-covalent interactions of proteins and their components and thus interfere with their self-assembly processes, which can be utilized in protein molecular manipulation approaches.…”
Section: Conclusion and Further Prospectsmentioning
Electrochemical methods can be used not only for the sensitive analysis of proteins but also for deeper research into their structure, transport functions (transfer of electrons and protons), and sensing their interactions with soft and solid surfaces. Last but not least, electrochemical tools are useful for investigating the effect of an electric field on protein structure, the direct application of electrochemical methods for controlling protein function, or the micromanipulation of supramolecular protein structures. There are many experimental arrangements (modalities), from the classic configuration that works with an electrochemical cell to miniaturized electrochemical sensors and microchip platforms. The support of computational chemistry methods which appropriately complement the interpretation framework of experimental results is also important. This text describes recent directions in electrochemical methods for the determination of proteins and briefly summarizes available methodologies for the selective labeling of proteins using redox-active probes. Attention is also paid to the theoretical aspects of electron transport and the effect of an external electric field on the structure of selected proteins. Instead of providing a comprehensive overview, we aim to highlight areas of interest that have not been summarized recently, but, at the same time, represent current trends in the field.
Graphical abstract
“…These exciting developments prompt additional investigations, aiming at a deeper elucidation of the mechanistic bases of microtubule dynamics in the hope to further refine and improve the outcome of these clinical applications. As an initiative that may prove rewarding in this direction, very recently, Havelka and coworkers have developed a lab-on-chip microscope platform allowing for the investigation of the effects of microsecond pulsed electric fields (PEF) on microtubule networks of cell-like density [ 45 ]. They found that PEF stimulation resulted in an aggregation of microtubules, overcoming the non-covalent microtubule bonding force to the substrate.…”
Section: An Ensemble Of Physical Energies Acting As the Control Softw...mentioning
We discuss emerging views on the complexity of signals controlling the onset of biological shapes and functions, from the nanoarchitectonics arising from supramolecular interactions, to the cellular/multicellular tissue level, and up to the unfolding of complex anatomy. We highlight the fundamental role of physical forces in cellular decisions, stressing the intriguing similarities in early morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and oncogenic drift. Compelling evidence is presented, showing that biological patterns are strongly embedded in the vibrational nature of the physical energies that permeate the entire universe. We describe biological dynamics as informational processes at which physics and chemistry converge, with nanomechanical motions, and electromagnetic waves, including light, forming an ensemble of vibrations, acting as a sort of control software for molecular patterning. Biomolecular recognition is approached within the establishment of coherent synchronizations among signaling players, whose physical nature can be equated to oscillators tending to the coherent synchronization of their vibrational modes. Cytoskeletal elements are now emerging as senders and receivers of physical signals, “shaping” biological identity from the cellular to the tissue/organ levels. We finally discuss the perspective of exploiting the diffusive features of physical energies to afford in situ stem/somatic cell reprogramming, and tissue regeneration, without stem cell transplantation.
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