QCM-D instrumentation and data analyses for characterizations of biological complexes

Monday, October 24, 2011 — Poster Session I
Noon – 2:00 p.m.	Natcher Conference Center	NIBIB	BIOPHY-8

Authors

• LJ Pang
• EJ Li
• PD Smith
• AJ Jin

Abstract

Here we present some insights on using Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Dissipation (QCM-D) instrumentation for studying biological samples from macromolecules to nanometric complexes. A special focus is to integrate complementary measurements from biological atomic force microscopy (Bio-AFM) with QCM-D especially in sizing and in nano-mechanical characterization, where it is useful to adapt QCM-D sensors by attaching atomically flat mica sheets for sample adhesion in both QCM-D and AFM measurements. We showcase two examples of biological complexes: (1) Q beta Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), derived from recombinantly expressed and refolded Escherichia coli capsid proteins as developing molecular carriers to enhance the immunogenicity of conjugated recombinant malaria vaccines, (2) Clathrin and Clathrin Coated Vesicles (CCVs), which are essential organelles of receptor-mediated endocytosis and subcellular trafficking. Corroborating results on sizing and mechanical moduli demonstrate the accuracy and synergy of this new integrated bioanalysis.

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