Biointerphases最新文献

{"title":"Defect-engineered ZnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles for photoluminescence-based metal-ion sensing.","authors":"K S Chaithra, B Shwetha, Mangesh S Jadhav, Shashikala B Yalagi, Malatesh S Pujar","doi":"10.1116/6.0005545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0005545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of nanoscale materials represents a significant advancement in science, enabling the controlled synthesis of functional nanoparticles with enhanced properties. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using a coprecipitation method. The structural, optical, morphological, elemental, and functional properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles along with functional groups such as -OH, C=O, N-H, C-N, and C-H. UV-visible spectra showed characteristic absorption peaks at 195 and 243 nm, corresponding to bandgap energies of 3.3 and 2.9 eV, respectively. SEM images revealed partially aggregated nanoparticles with rodlike and spherical morphologies. XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized samples, while XPS analysis indicated the presence of Zn-O and Fe-O bonds, confirming high purity without detectable impurities. Furthermore, photoluminescence studies demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit excellent optical sensing performance toward Pb+ and K+ ions, highlighting their potential application in metal-ion detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148590385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing agricultural challenges through biomimetic surfaces: Reframing foliar fungal disease as a biointerface problem.","authors":"River J Pachulicz, Bryan R Coad","doi":"10.1116/6.0005533","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Foliar fungal diseases are major threats to global grain production, which is integral to food security and agricultural economies. Current management relies on broadacre fungicides applied after infection, which are costly, environmentally problematic, and promote the emergence of chemically resilient phytopathogens. Prophylactic strategies remain limited, but a shared requirement of foliar disease may be a key target for intervention: the pathogen must successfully detect and recognize the surface of their host. The initial point of contact in plant-fungi interactions can hence be reframed as a biointerface problem governed by the physicochemical properties of the leaf surface. Leaf surfaces are coated in a waxy layer called the cuticle, a biocomposite comprised of a cutin matrix embedded and coated with compounds called cuticular waxes. Increasing evidence shows that these waxes can signal recognition to pathogenic fungi to promote infection. However, studying these interactions is challenging due to their complexity, with whole-leaf models masking the contributions of individual surface variables. To address this, we propose a biomimetic model system using fabricated wax films to replicate native leaf chemistries on inert substrates. These systems allow for precise tuning of surface physicochemical properties, enabling systematic investigation of fungal responses to defined surface chemistries. These systems can then be used to develop prophylactic strategies that alter leaf surface properties, disrupting host-recognition in fungal pathogens to reduce foliar fungal disease incidence in agriculture globally. By reframing fungal disease as a biointerface problem, this research offers a path toward more sustainable and targeted fungal disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148668223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced biocompatibility and endothelialization of silk fibroin-derived peptide-based coating for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications.","authors":"Juo Lee, Jae Woon Lim, Hoon Seonwoo, Hae Yong Kweon, You-Young Jo, Jeong-Min Oh, Dae-Won Kim","doi":"10.1116/6.0005463","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0005463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycaprolactone (PCL) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for artificial heart applications due to its biodegradability and mechanical properties. However, its hydrophobic nature and limited biocompatibility pose challenges for cardiovascular applications, requiring optimal cell-material interactions. This study investigates the surface modification of silk fibroin-derived peptide/PCL coatings to enhance biocompatibility and cellular response for potential artificial heart applications. PCL substrates were blended with varying concentrations of silk fibroin-derived peptide (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% w/v). Surface characterization was performed using water contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy. Biocompatibility was evaluated through cell viability assays and CD31 expression analysis. Silk fibroin-derived peptide incorporation significantly improved surface hydrophilicity, with contact angles decreasing from 78° (bare PCL) to 62° (1% silk fibroin-derived peptide). FTIR analysis confirmed successful incorporation of silk fibroin-derived peptides, showing characteristic PCL ester C=O absorption at ∼1720 cm-1 and concentration-dependent amide I contributions at ∼1630-1670 cm-1. Cell viability studies demonstrated enhanced cellular response with increasing silk fibroin-derived peptide concentration, particularly evident at day 7. CD31 expression analysis revealed improved endothelial marker expression, with the highest levels observed on 1% silk fibroin-derived peptide-incorporated substrates. The results demonstrate that silk fibroin blended to PCL significantly enhances biocompatibility through improved hydrophilicity and cellular interactions. Taken together, these preliminary results indicate that silk fibroin-derived peptide-incorporated PCL could represent a promising biomaterial platform for artificial heart applications, with the potential to improve endothelial compatibility and support endothelialization.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148677064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surface protrusions of the microstructured lizard skin may reduce evaporation intensity: Numerical modelling approach.","authors":"Alexander E Filippov, Alexander Kovalev, Elena V Gorb, Stanislav N Gorb","doi":"10.1116/6.0005508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0005508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evaporative water loss is a critical challenge for terrestrial organisms, particularly those inhabiting arid environments. Many lizards including geckos and chameleons possess nanoscopic hairlike setulae or surface protrusions that may reduce evaporation by modifying the local microclimate near the skin. To investigate this effect, we numerically modeled water evaporation from a substrate covered by periodically structured surfaces mimicking such biological features. The model employs a diffusion equation with a heterogeneous diffusion coefficient and incorporates wind-driven advection to account for external air flow. Simulations were performed for both uncapped and capped pillar structures. Results show that the presence of periodic pillars alone modifies local vapor transport, creating vortices and zones of enhanced humidity near the substrate. The presence of caps on the pillar tops substantially enhances this effect, maintaining higher vapor density in the substrate-proximal region and reducing the net evaporation flux. Evolution of total evaporation reveals that capped structures reduce water loss by 2-3 times compared to uncapped configurations. These effects arise since the microstructured surface shapes the boundary layer, which slows down diffusion, creates humid air traps, and redirects wind-driven transport. Our findings highlight the functional role of surface microstructures in controlling evaporation and suggest a mechanistic explanation for the evolution of nanoscopic hairs in the groups of lizards with especially thin skin. The study also provides design principles for biomimetic surfaces aimed at passive water conservation and microclimate control.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148817379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interactions between Marinobacter atlanticus and heavy metals.","authors":"Sara M Tuck, Maryssa A Beasley, Rebecca L Mickol, Katherine J Franz, Kenan P Fears","doi":"10.1116/6.0005560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0005560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Marine bacteria have evolved mechanisms for the regulation of essential heavy metal ions (e.g., copper, zinc, and cobalt). Understanding the interplay between these ions and marine bacteria is relevant to a variety of applications, including the development of antifouling coatings and materials and the capture and sensing of metal ions in seawater. Here, we investigate the interactions between Marinobacter atlanticus and heavy metals commonly found in natural environments at trace levels. Furthermore, M. atlanticus can produce small amounts of electricity and this ability is affected by labile metal ion concentration and can influence mineral cycling. We hypothesized that M. atlanticus may be a promising candidate for applications in heavy metal remediation or as a biosensor for heavy metal contamination. We utilized broth microdilution assays to expose M. atlanticus to a concentration range of essential and nonessential metal ions. M. atlanticus demonstrated a profound ability to grow in the presence of metal concentrations that significantly exceed those found in native environments. In metal depletion assays, where the ability of M. atlanticus to remove metal ions from solution was assessed, we found that this bacterium exhibited a marginal ability to reduce metal concentrations, with cadmium being the only heavy metal whose uptake significantly increased throughout a 72 h evaluation period. Our results suggest M. atlanticus has limited use for bioremediation but could potentially be used for biosensing.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148817395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomimetic illumination enhancement inspired by guanine platelets in the photophore surface of the deep-sea bristlemouth Sigmops gracilis.","authors":"Masakazu Iwasaka","doi":"10.1116/6.0005382","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Efficient illumination and light management are increasingly important in modern society. Biomimetic strategies inspired by biological optical systems have, therefore, attracted considerable attention for the development of novel photonic devices. This study investigates light control mechanisms in the photophores of the bioluminescent deep-sea bristlemouth Sigmops gracilis (Gonostomatidae). The reflection and scattering properties of photophores were examined under external illumination. Strong light scattering from guanine platelets was observed on the photophore surface. The observed scattering behavior was successfully reproduced using a biomimetic model consisting of multiple aligned thin chambers containing guanine platelets suspended in water, demonstrating that multilayered platelet assemblies significantly enhance reflectivity. These results indicate that the accumulation of guanine platelets at the photophore surface contributes to increased light intensity around the photophore. In addition, guanine platelets exhibiting anisotropic directional scattering, similar to that observed on the fish body surface, were reconstructed using a magnetic rotation method. Together with previous findings on internal photophore components, these results suggest that external photophore structures in bioluminescent deep-sea fish provide an effective biomimetic strategy for the efficient reuse and redirection of light emitted from photocytes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148027005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biointerfaces in India.","authors":"Ravindra Pandey, K Ganapathy Ayappa","doi":"10.1116/6.0005546","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This Special Topic Collection brings together a diverse and timely collection of contributions that reflect the expanding frontiers of biointerfaces research in India. We are deeply grateful to all the authors for their contributions. This collection explores themes that are both fundamental in scope and closely aligned with pressing biomedical challenges, including cancer metastasis, drug delivery, genetic disorders, and biomaterials design. We briefly highlight the key findings in each of the contributions that make up this collection.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148161701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and validation of a low-cost, direct-current-based biosensor for real-time monitoring of transendothelial electrical resistance in cell barriers.","authors":"Guo-Zhen Wang, Xiao-Nan Hou, Duo Tang, Tie Zhang, Zhi-Xiang Zhou","doi":"10.1116/6.0005440","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Real-time monitoring of biological barrier integrity is crucial for drug development and disease modeling. The gold-standard technique, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), is often limited by the cost and complexity of commercial alternating current systems. To address this, we developed a novel, low-cost biosensor based on a direct current (DC) series voltage division principle, featuring custom hardware and open-source firmware. Validation demonstrated a wide dynamic range (155-105 600 Ω cm2) and high accuracy (±3%). The device showed excellent correlation with a commercial EVOM3 system in monitoring TEER trends during endothelial barrier formation and oxidative stress-induced disruption. Biosensor readings were consistent with barrier kinetics captured by xCelligence RTCA and live-cell imaging. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was established between decreasing TEER values and increasing paracellular leakage of sodium fluorescein. These results collectively validate our DC-based system as a reliable, accurate, and accessible tool for quantifying in vitro barrier integrity, with significant potential to democratize research in biomedicine and toxicology.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148204016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shell damage and mandible mechanics in the ant Messor wasmanni.","authors":"Wencke Krings, Bernhard Hausdorf, Stanislav N Gorb","doi":"10.1116/6.0005368","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005368","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ant middens represent accumulations of discarded materials and provide insight into colony-level foraging and processing behavior. While middens of granivorous ants are typically dominated by plant material, animal remains are occasionally present, yet their origin and mechanical basis remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the occurrence of gastropod shells in an external midden of the harvester ant Messor wasmanni and evaluated ant mandible mechanics to provide some background for shell fracturing. Midden material was collected during three sampling events and sorted by material type and size. Snail shells were identified to either genus or species level, fracture locations were documented, and representative shells were fractured experimentally using major worker mandibles to quantify shell-breaking forces. The forces varied widely depending on snail species, growth stage, and fracture location, with juvenile shells and mechanically weak regions fracturing at substantially lower forces than adult shells or their reinforced regions. Nanoindentation revealed strong regional and caste-specific differences in mandible mechanical properties, with highest hardness and Young's modulus at the masticatory margin of major workers. Elemental analyses showed enrichment of zinc and other metals in cutting edges, consistent with enhanced wear resistance. This study integrates ecological, mechanical, and material data to provide a mechanistic framework for interpreting snail shell occurrence in ant middens.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147866771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Binding and orientation of ice nucleating proteins on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces probed by photoelectron spectroscopies.","authors":"Thaddeus W Golbek, Mette H Rasmussen, Mikkel Bregnhøj, Thomas Boesen, Taner Drace, Ryan Faase, Joe E Baio, Tobias Weidner","doi":"10.1116/6.0005223","DOIUrl":"10.1116/6.0005223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Specialized bacteria can effectively nucleate ice crystals using ice nucleating proteins (INPs) anchored to the cell surface. Biogenic freezing has several applications, from snow making to cryo-medicine and freeze/antifreeze materials. For biomimetic designs of INP analogs, it is important to understand how the proteins involved in the process bind to material surfaces. In this study, we determine the binding of a model INP to hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as well as hydrophilic carboxyl-terminated SAMs. INPs are large proteins with more than 1200 amino acids and a long series of repeat units. Since full-length INPs are difficult to produce and handle, we have investigated a shorter model INP dubbed InaZ9R, which has nine repeat units and still folds into the hallmark beta-helix structure known from the full-length protein. Combining x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, we find that InaZ9R form closely packed monolayers on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Angle-resolved nitrogen K-edge near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectra show a high degree of orientational order associated with the native β-sheet structure.</p>","PeriodicalId":9053,"journal":{"name":"Biointerphases","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147970253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}