Nanoscale characterization of drug-induced microtubule filament dysfunction using super-resolution microscopy

Background The integrity of microtubule filament networks is essential for the roles in diverse cellular functions, and disruption of its structure or dynamics has been explored as a therapeutic approach to tackle diseases such as cancer. Microtubule-interacting drugs, sometimes referred to as antimitotics, are used in cancer therapy to target and disrupt microtubules. However, due to associated side effects on healthy cells, there is a need to develop safer drug regimens that still retain clinical efficacy. Currently, many questions remain open regarding the extent of effects on cellular physiology of microtubule-interacting drugs at clinically relevant and low doses. Here, we use super-resolution microscopies (single-molecule localization and optical fluctuation based) to reveal the initial microtubule dysfunctions caused by nanomolar concentrations of colcemid. Results We identify previously undetected microtubule (MT) damage caused by clinically relevant doses of colcemid. Short exposure to 30–80 nM colcemid results in aberrant microtubule curvature, with a trend of increased curvature associated to increased doses, and curvatures greater than 2 rad/μm, a value associated with MT breakage. Microtubule fragmentation was detected upon treatment with ≥ 100 nM colcemid. Remarkably, lower doses (< 20 nM after 5 h) led to subtle but significant microtubule architecture remodelling characterized by increased curvature and suppression of microtubule dynamics. Conclusions Our results support the emerging hypothesis that microtubule-interacting drugs induce non-mitotic effects in cells, and establish a multi-modal imaging assay for detecting and measuring nanoscale microtubule dysfunction. The sub-diffraction visualization of these less severe precursor perturbations compared to the established antimitotic effects of microtubule-interacting drugs offers potential for improved understanding and design of anticancer agents.

Synthesis and nanoscale characterization of hierarchically assembled molecular nanosheets

Chemical functionalization of molecular two-dimensional (2D) materials towards the assembly of hierarchical functional nanostructures is of great importance for nanotechnology including areas like artificial photocatalytic systems, nanobiosensors or ultrafiltration. To achieve the desired functionality of 2D materials, these need to be characterized down to the nanoscale. However, obtaining the respective chemical information is challenging and generally requires the application of complementary experimental techniques. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis and chemical characterization of hierarchically assembled molecular nanosheets based on about 1 nm thin, molecular carbon nanomembrane (CNM) and covalently grafted, single-molecule layer cobalt(III) catalysts for the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We employ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to access both the transversal and lateral chemical information of the synthesized nanosheets with nanometer resolution. TERS and XPS data provide detailed information on the average and local surface distribution of the catalyst as well as mechanistic details of the grafting reaction. The proposed approach represents a general route towards a nanoscale structural analysis for a variety of molecular 2D materials - a rapidly growing materials class with broad prospects for fundamental science and applications.

New Horizons for Ferroelectrics

Since the discovery of ferroelectricity in 1920, dielectric research has provided a variety of fundamental physics problems and sustainable applications. Advances in synthesis and nanoscale characterization, along with theoretical innovations, have made ferroelectrics more versatile. In this perspective, we discuss several directions for future ferroelectric research in terms of flexoelectricity, ferroelectric topology, and lattice defects, as well as cooperation with associated fields.

Morphology and Chemical Purity of Water Suspension of Graphene Oxide FLAKES Aged for 14 Months in Ambient Conditions. A Preliminary Study

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted scientists’ interest due to their exceptional properties, making them alluring candidates for multiple applications. However, still little is known about the properties of as-obtained graphene derivatives during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to check whether or not 14 months of storage time impacts graphene oxide flakes’ suspension purity. Complementary micro and nanoscale characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental combustion analysis) were implemented for a detailed description of the topography and chemical properties of graphene oxide flakes. The final step was pH evaluation of as-obtained and aged samples. Our findings show that purified flakes sustained their purity over 14 months of storage.