Institut für Biophysik

The work "Measuring (biological) materials mechanics with atomic force microscopy. 2. Influence of the loading rate and applied force (colloidal particles)" by Andreas Weber, Barbara Zbiral, Jagoba Iturri, Rafael Benitez and José L. Toca‐Herrera from Institute for Biophysics shows the non‐linear dependence of cell mechanical properties on loading rate when using atomic force microscopy.

In the work, "Nanostructured scaffolds based on bioresorbable polymers and graphene oxide induce the aligned migration and accelerate the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells", the fabrication and characterization of biodegradable nanostructured poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) is described. These scaffolds, either with or without graphene oxide (GO) functionalization, support the alignment, growth, migration and differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells without a need of a laminin coating.

Seed encapsulation in hard shells is common for protection and dispersal. In their article "Topological Interlocking and Geometric Stiffening as Complementary Strategies for Strong Plant Shells", the research group led by Notburga Gierlinger from Institute for Biophysics reveal previously unknown functional interrelations between the structure, geometry, and mechanics in nutshells. They found that simple geometric modifications, such as the development of puzzle-shaped instead of round cells, and small spherical shells instead of large ellipsoidal shells, increase the fracture resistance of hard plant shells resource-efficiently.

Dr. Jagoba Iturri and Prof. Dr. José L. Toca-Herrera, from the Institute for Biophysics, will edit the Special Issue Entitled “Applied Physics in Cancer Cells” for Biology Journal, collecting recent advances in applied physics methodologies (i.e. scanning probe microscopy, cytomechanics and adhesive properties, electrical properties and magnetic fields, etc) for the characterization and diagnosis of cancerous cells and tissues.

Macrophages are critical players in host response, remodeling and degradation. However, an assessment tool to evaluate the degradation of biodegradable materials in a more physiological environment is still needed. Dr Marjan Enayati (Medical University Vienna) has developed an in vitro model based on monocyte-derived macrophage cell culture that allows long-term analysis of degradation and mechanical properties of polyurethanes (TPU). Professor José Luis Toca-Herrera and Dr Jagoba Iturri from Institute for Biophysics (Department of Nanobiotechnology) contributed to the detection of surface defects in the fibrous structure of these scaffolds as degradation proceeds, mediated by activated macrophages both in vitro and in vivo, by employing Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques.