We would like to thank Dr. Manfred Kriechbaum of Hecus XRS and the Institute of Biophysics and Nanosystems Research at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Graz, Austria. LL and XW were supported in part by U.S. Department of Energy, under NERI-C Award No. DE-FG07-07ID14889, and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, under Award No. NRC-38-08-950. The SWAXS instrument is also supported in part by U.S. Department of Energy, under Award No. DE-NE0000325.

1. Preparation of the Sample
<ol>
 <li>Use a needle to remove some of the sample from the sample container.*</li>
 <li>Use the needle to fill the capillary (maximum diameter of 2.2 mm) with sample. The capillary must be filled between 2 and 3 cm from the bottom.</li>
 <li>Close the capillary by melting wax on its tip.</li>
 <li>Unscrew the vacuum sample holder from the system.</li>
 <li>Take the capillary by the fused end (wax end) and insert the un-fused end into the sample holder.</li>
 <li>Place the holder back into the system and screw in place.</li>
</ol>
* Solid samples (including powder samples) can be directly placed in the sample holder (no capillary necessary), whereas liquid samples must be placed in a capillary.
Start-Up of the SWAXS Machine
2. Source Cold Startup Procedure
<ol>
 <li>Close the shutter by pushing the safety shutter button.</li>
 <li>Switch the main power "ON" by pushing the green on button.</li>
 <li>Verify the Emergency "Shut-Off" button is in the extended position.</li>
 <li>Switch the main power on by pushing the green button.</li>
 <li>Verify the interlock LED light is green, indicating all interlocks are ok.</li>
 <li>Wait for the touch screen to load. Once it has loaded, press "R6" on the menu.</li>
 <li>Turn the Standby key to the "ON" position.</li>
 <li>Turn the X-ray Key to the "ON" position. The red X-ray light should light up.</li>
 <li>Wait for the touch screen to read standby levels (30 kV and 0.4 mA).</li>
 <li>Turn the Standby Safety Key to the "OFF" position. Press the "Start Cycle" button on bottom of the touch screen.</li>
 <li>Wait for the touch screen to read nominal power (50 kV and 1 mA). If a different power level is desired, enter the configuration screen by pressing "R4" on the touch screen and entering the desired settings.</li>
</ol>
3. Chiller Procedure
<ol>
 <li>Turn the power switch to the "ON" position on the temperature control panel. A control light and the LED temperature display will light up.</li>
 <li>Turn the power switch to the "ON" position on the chiller.</li>
 <li>Wait until the temperature display reads "OFF." This is standby mode.</li>
 <li>Press and hold the enter button (return symbol) for about 4 sec or until the temperature display indicates an actual temperature.</li>
 <li>To change the temperature, press the up or down arrows. The set value will be shown on the temperature display for approximately 8 sec before it will return to the actual value.</li>
 <li>Press the enter button once the desired set value is displayed. This will store that value.</li>
 <li>Wait until the actual temperature reaches the desired set value.</li>
</ol>
NOTE: If at any time the error "E 01" shows up on the temperature display, follow the Chiller Shutdown instructions, refill the bath unit by pouring purified water into the tank fill, and then perform the chiller Startup procedure again.
4. Shutdown of Chiller
<ol>
 <li>Press "enter" for approximately 4 sec.</li>
 <li>Turn the power switch to the "OFF" position.</li>
</ol>
5. Turning on the Vacuum
<ol>
 <li>Ensure the vacuum door is secured in place.</li>
 <li>Turn the Vacuum 1 and 2 knobs to the "ON" positions.</li>
 <li>Wait until the VAP5 vacuum gauge reads a vacuum level less than 1.5 mbar.</li>
</ol>
6. Detector System Setup
<ol>
 <li>To set up the gas pressure, verify the Main Pressure Gauge of the reduction valve is at least 10 bar.</li>
 <li>Open the Main Valve.</li>
 <li>Slowly open the Operating Pressure Valve until the pressure reaches 8 bar at the Operating Pressure Gauge.</li>
 <li>Open the Second Main Valve</li>
 <li>To adjust gas flow, open the Main Pressure valve by turning the knob to the vertical position on the Gas Control panel.</li>
 <li>Adjust the flow rate with the needle valve until the gauge reads approximately 8 bar.</li>
 <li>Turn the Main Power switch to the "ON" position. The LED light should light up.</li>
 <li>To adjust the high voltage, activate the high voltage by turning the switch to the "ON" position. The LED light should light up.</li>
 <li>Slowly turn the voltage control knob until approximately 3.5kV is reached on the gauge. DO NOT EXCEED 4kV.</li>
</ol>
7. Calibration
<ol>
 <li>The experimental steps above are performed with a sample of known peaks.</li>
 <li>ASA 3.3 is used to obtain graph of intensity vs. channel with 5 peaks.</li>
 <li>Go to Menu &rarr;Options&rarr;Enter channels and corresponding intensities.</li>
 <li>Go to ASA3, "TPF" tab first.</li>
 <li>Change filter, top left 1 mm Nickel (beam filter).</li>
 <li>Set position 32,000 (range 28,000 to 32,000, critical region around 28,000) &rarr; go to position, make sure vacuum is below 5 mbar, make sure the detector is reading between 1k -10K.</li>
 <li>Run for 10 sec for approximately 52 counts per sec.</li>
 <li>Change the energy windows, (or measure the energy window with the sample only, not including the filter case). Set the final run for 10 sec.</li>
 <li>Find the location of the primary beam (channel 233 for example).</li>
 <li>For other runs, change filter again to 2 mm Tungsten (W, beam stopper) and start from 30,000.</li>
 <li>Find the location of all other peaks of the samples.</li>
 <li>Use ImageJ-macro software to calibrate SAXS - making transitions from intensity vs. channel to intensity vs. q (or d spacing) (Figure 1).</li>
 <li>Use ImageJ-macro software to calibrate WAXS - making transitions from intensity vs. channel to intensity vs. q (or d spacing) (Figure 2).</li>
</ol>
8. Software Procedure
<ol>
 <li>Use the software ASA 3.3, to collect the live data: Live Data&rarr; TPF tab&rarr; Save file.</li>
 <li>For EasySWAXS, click on the Device Settings tab.</li>
 <li>Enter the "a", lambda, and d values, as well as the center of gravity.</li>
 <li>Select Point Collimation.</li>
 <li>Select Globular particle type (unless it is a known to be a rod of flat shaped particle).</li>
 <li>Click on the Guinier-Plot tab. An I vs. q2 graph will be displayed.</li>
 <li>Drag the vertical lines to surround a section of approximately linear slope.</li>
 <li>At the bottom of the screen, an R value will be displayed. Next to this there is a validation requirement.</li>
 <li>Continue to drag the vertical lines closer together until the validation value is between 1 and 2. This is subjective. The R value, or Radius of Gyration, obtained is an estimate.</li>
</ol>
9. Source Shutdown Procedure
<ol>
 <li>Verify the safety and fast shutters are closed.</li>
 <li>Turn the Standby key to the "ON" position.</li>
 <li>Wait for the touchscreen to read standby levels.</li>
 <li>Press R5 on the touchscreen.</li>
 <li>Reduce the current to 0 A.</li>
 <li>Reduce the voltage to 0 A.</li>
 <li>Turn the X-ray key to the "OFF" position.</li>
 <li>Switch the main power "OFF" by pushing the red off button.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Bernad&#243;, P., Blackledge, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+biology:+Proteins+in+dynamic+equilibrium.">Structural biology: Proteins in dynamic equilibrium.</a> Nature. 468, 1046-1048 (2010).</li><li>Zhang, F., Skoda, M. W. A., Jacobs, R. M. J., Martin, R. A., Martin, C. M., Schreiber, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+Interactions+Studied+by+SAXS:+Effect+of+Ionic+Strength+and+Protein+Concentration+for+BSA+in+Aqueous+Solutions.">Protein Interactions Studied by SAXS: Effect of Ionic Strength and Protein Concentration for BSA in Aqueous Solutions.</a> J. Phys. Chem. B. 111, 251-259 (2007).</li><li>Maranas, J. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+environment+on+local+dynamics+of+macromolecules.">The effect of environment on local dynamics of macromolecules.</a> Current Opinion in Colloid &amp; Interface Science. 12, 29-42 (2007).</li><li>Stribeck, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> X-Ray Scattering of Soft Matter. , (2007).</li><li>Mertens, H. D., Svergun, D. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+characterization+of+proteins+and+complexes+using+small-angle+X-ray+solution+scattering.">Structural characterization of proteins and complexes using small-angle X-ray solution scattering.</a> J. Struct. Biol. 172 (1), 128 (2010).</li><li>Svergun, D. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Small-angle+X-ray+and+neutron+scattering+as+a+tool+for+structural+systems+biology.">Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering as a tool for structural systems biology.</a> Biol. Chem. 391 (7), 737 (2010).</li><li>Putnam, C. D., Hammel, M., Hura, G. L., Tainer, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=X-ray+solution+scattering+(SAXS)+combined+with+crystallography+and+computation:+defining+accurate+macromolecular+structures,+conformations+and+assemblies+in+solution.">X-ray solution scattering (SAXS) combined with crystallography and computation: defining accurate macromolecular structures, conformations and assemblies in solution.</a> Quat. Rev. Biophys. 40, 191-285 (2007).</li><li>Bonini, M., Fratini, E., Baglioni, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=SAXS+study+of+chain-like+structures+formed+by+magnetic+nanoparticles.">SAXS study of chain-like structures formed by magnetic nanoparticles.</a> Materials Science &amp; Engineering C-Biomimetic and Supramolecular Systems. 27 (5-8), 1377-1381 (2007).</li><li>Falletta, E., Ridi, F., Fratini, E., Vannucci, C., Canton, P., Bianchi, S., Castelvetro, V., Baglioni, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+tri-block+copolymer+templated+synthesis+of+gold+nanostructures.">A tri-block copolymer templated synthesis of gold nanostructures.</a> Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 357 (1), 88-94 (2011).</li><li>Glatter, O., Scherf, G., Schillen, K., Brown, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+a+Poly(ethylene+oxide)+Poly(propylene+oxide)+Triblock+Copolymer+(EO(27)-PO39-EO(27))+in+Aqueous-Solution.">Characterization of a Poly(ethylene oxide) Poly(propylene oxide) Triblock Copolymer (EO(27)-PO39-EO(27)) in Aqueous-Solution.</a> Macromolecules. 27 (21), 6046-6054 (1994).</li><li>Mittelbach, R., Glatter, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Direct+structure+analysis+of+small-angle+scattering+data+from+polydisperse+colloidal+particles.">Direct structure analysis of small-angle scattering data from polydisperse colloidal particles.</a> Journal of Applied Crystallography. 31, 600-608 (1998).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

The comparative procedure of the SWAXS system allows for numerous variables to be determined from experimental analysis. The parameters that are attained from the analysis can be used for different purposes according to the sample and experimental setup. SAXS provides information about nano-scale size and shape of the object, whereas WAXS focuses on the atomic and micro-scale structure (e.g. molecular lattice, unit cell dimension symmetry). More specifically, for particles in dilute solutions, SAXS can st...

<table border="1">
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>Name of the products</td>
 <td>Company</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>The System3 Small- and Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering (SWAXS) Camera</td>
 <td>Hecus XRS and IBN, Graz, Austria</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>GNOM </td>
 <td>ATSAS 2.3 package by D. Svergun EMBL-Hamburg </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

small and wide angle x-ray scattering studies of biological macromolecules in solution

In this paper, Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SWAXS) analysis of macromolecules is demonstrated through experimentation. SWAXS is a technique where X-rays are elastically scattered by an inhomogeneous sample in the nm-range at small angles (typically 0.1 - 5&deg;) and wide angles (typically &gt; 5&deg;). This technique provides information about the shape, size, and distribution of macromolecules, characteristic distances of partially ordered materials, pore sizes, and surface-to-volume ratio. Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is capable of delivering structural information of macromolecules between 1 and 200 nm, whereas Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) can resolve even smaller Bragg spacing of samples between 0.33 nm and 0.49 nm based on the specific system setup and detector. The spacing is determined from Bragg's law and is dependent on the wavelength and incident angle.
In a SWAXS experiment, the materials can be solid or liquid and may contain solid, liquid or gaseous domains (so-called particles) of the same or another material in any combination. SWAXS applications are very broad and include colloids of all types: metals, composites, cement, oil, polymers, plastics, proteins, foods, and pharmaceuticals. For solid samples, the thickness is limited to approximately 5 mm.
Usage of a lab-based SWAXS instrument is detailed in this paper. With the available software (e.g., GNOM-ATSAS 2.3 package by D. Svergun EMBL-Hamburg and EasySWAXS software) for the SWAXS system, an experiment can be conducted to determine certain parameters of interest for the given sample. One example of a biological macromolecule experiment is the analysis of 2 wt% lysozyme in a water-based aqueous buffer which can be chosen and prepared through numerous methods. The preparation of the sample follows the guidelines below in the Preparation of the Sample section. Through SWAXS experimentation, important structural parameters of lysozyme, e.g. the radius of gyration, can be analyzed.

SAXS and WAXS altogether can provide structural information of the sample through the following parameters: the radius of gyration, particle size and shape, solution structure factor, specific inner surface and pore size, lattice type and dimension, and electron density. SAXS and WAXS can also be applied to the study of protein dynamics 1.
The structural information of SWAXS experiments is obtained by comparing the experimentally detected spectra and the computational results of the...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Small and Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of Biological Macromolecules in Solution at JoVE.com

Small and Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of Biological Macromolecules in Solution

The demonstration of the small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) procedure has become instrumental in the study of biological macromolecules. Through the use of the instrumentation and procedures of specific angle methods and preparation, the experimental data from the SWAXS displays the atomic and nano-scale characterization of macromolecules.

In this paper, Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SWAXS) analysis of macromolecules is demonstrated through experimentation. SWAXS is a technique ...

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17.9K Views.  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The demonstration of the small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) procedure has become instrumental in the study of biological macromolecules. Through the use of the instrumentation and procedures of specific angle methods and preparation, the experimental data from the SWAXS displays the atomic and nano-scale characterization of macromolecules.

Video: Small and Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of Biological Macromolecules in Solution

Fabrication of Electrochemical-DNA Biosensors for the Reagentless Detection of Nucleic Acids, Proteins and Small Molecules

As medicine is currently practiced, doctors send specimens to a central laboratory for testing and thus must wait hours or days to 
receive the results. Many patients would be better served by rapid, bedside tests. To this end our laboratory and others have developed a versatile, reagentless 
biosensor platform that supports the quantitative, reagentless, electrochemical detection of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), proteins (including antibodies) and small 
molecules analytes directly in unprocessed clinical and environmental samples. In this video, we demonstrate the preparation and use of several biosensors in this 
"E-DNA" class. In particular, we fabricate and demonstrate sensors for the detection of a target DNA sequence in a polymerase chain reaction mixture, an HIV-specific antibody and the drug cocaine. The preparation procedure requires only three hours of hands-on effort followed by an overnight incubation, and their use requires only minutes.

"E-DNA" sensors, reagentless, electrochemical biosensors that perform well even when challenged directly in blood and other complex matrices, have been adapted to the detection of a wide range of nucleic acid, protein and small molecule analytes. Here we present a general procedure for the fabrication and use of such sensors.

As medicine is currently practiced, doctors send specimens to a central laboratory for testing and thus must wait hours or days to 
receive the results. ...

In situ TEM of Biological Assemblies in Liquid

Researchers regularly use Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) to examine biological entities and to assess new materials. Here, we describe an additional application for these instruments- viewing viral assemblies in a liquid environment. This exciting and novel method of visualizing biological structures utilizes a recently developed microfluidic-based specimen holder. Our video article demonstrates how to assemble and use a microfluidic holder to image liquid specimens within a TEM. In particular, we use simian rotavirus double-layered particles (DLPs) as our model system. We also describe steps to coat the surface of the liquid chamber with affinity biofilms that tether DLPs to the viewing window. This permits us to image assemblies in a manner that is suitable for 3D structure determination. Thus, we present a first glimpse of subviral particles in a native liquid environment.

In situ TEM of Biological Assemblies in Liquid

Here we describe a procedure to image viral complexes in liquid at nanometer resolution using a transmission electron microscope.

Researchers regularly use Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) to examine biological entities and to assess new materials. Here, we describe an ...

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales (Atractosteus spatula) Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

The hierarchical architecture of protective biological materials such as mineralized fish scales, gastropod shells, ram&#8217;s horn, antlers, and turtle shells provides unique design principles with potentials for guiding the design of protective materials and systems in the future. Understanding the structure-property relationships for these material systems at the microscale and nanoscale where failure initiates is essential. Currently, experimental techniques such as nanoindentation, X-ray CT, and SEM provide researchers with a way to correlate the mechanical behavior with hierarchical microstructures of these material systems1-6. However, a well-defined standard procedure for specimen preparation of mineralized biomaterials is not currently available. In this study, the methods for probing spatially correlated chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the multilayered scale of A. spatula using nanoindentation, FTIR, SEM, with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis, and X-ray CT are presented.

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

This paper presents the methods used for probing spatially correlated chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the multilayered scale of Atractosteus spatula (A. spatula) using nanoindentation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). The experimental results have been used to investigate the design principles of protective biological materials.

The hierarchical architecture of protective biological materials such as mineralized fish scales, gastropod shells, ram&#8217;s horn, antlers, and turtle ...

Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2

The KWS-2 SANS diffractometer is dedicated to the investigation of soft matter and biophysical systems covering a wide length scale, from nm to &#181;m. The instrument is optimized for the exploration of the wide momentum transfer Q range between 1x10-4 and 0.5 &#197;-1 by combining classical pinhole, focusing (with lenses), and time-of-flight (with chopper) methods, while simultaneously providing high-neutron intensities with an adjustable resolution. Because of its ability to adjust the intensity and the resolution within wide limits during the experiment, combined with the possibility to equip specific sample environments and ancillary devices, the KWS-2 shows a high versatility in addressing the broad range of structural and morphological studies in the field. Equilibrium structures can be studied in static measurements, while dynamic and kinetic processes can be investigated over time scales between minutes to tens of milliseconds with time-resolved approaches. Typical systems that are investigated with the KWS-2 cover the range from complex, hierarchical systems that exhibit multiple structural levels (e.g., gels, networks, or macro-aggregates) to small and poorly-scattering systems (e.g., single polymers or proteins in solution). The recent upgrade of the detection system, which enables the detection of count rates in the MHz range, opens new opportunities to study even very small biological morphologies in buffer solution with weak scattering signals close to the buffer scattering level at high Q.
In this paper, we provide a protocol to investigate samples with characteristic size levels spanning a wide length scale and exhibiting ordering in the mesoscale structure using KWS-2. We present in detail how to use the multiple working modes that are offered by the instrument and the level of performance that is achieved.

Here, we present a protocol to investigate soft matter and biophysical systems over a wide mesoscopic length scale, from nm to &#181;m that involves the use of the KWS-2 SANS diffractometer at high intensities and an adjustable resolution.

The KWS-2 SANS diffractometer is dedicated to the investigation of soft matter and biophysical systems covering a wide length scale, from nm to &#181;m. ...

The Arteriovenous (AV) Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering

A functional blood vessel network is a prerequisite for the survival and growth of almost all tissues and organs in the human body. Moreover, in pathological situations such as cancer, vascularization plays a leading role in disease progression. Consequently, there is a strong need for a standardized and well-characterized in vivo model in order to elucidate the mechanisms of neovascularization and develop different vascularization approaches for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
We describe a microsurgical approach for a small animal model for induction of a vascular axis consisting of a vein and artery that are anastomosed to an arteriovenous (AV) loop. The AV loop is transferred to an enclosed implantation chamber to create an isolated microenvironment in vivo, which is connected to the living organism only by means of the vascular axis. Using 3D imaging (MRI, micro-CT) and immunohistology, the growing vasculature can be visualized over time. By implanting different cells, growth factors and matrices, their function in blood vessel network formation can be analyzed without any disturbing influences from the surroundings in a well controllable environment. 
In addition to angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis studies, the AV loop model is also perfectly suited for engineering vascularized tissues. After a certain prevascularization time, the generated tissues can be transplanted into the defect site and microsurgically connected to the local vessels, thereby ensuring immediate blood supply and integration of the engineered tissue. By varying the matrices, cells, growth factors and chamber architecture, it is possible to generate various tissues, which can then be tailored to the individual patient's needs.

The Arteriovenous AV Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering

We describe a microsurgical approach for the generation of an arteriovenous (AV) loop as a model for analyzing vascularization in vivo in an isolated and well-characterized environment. This model is not only useful for the investigation of angiogenesis, but is also optimally suited for engineering axially vascularized and transplantable tissues.

A functional blood vessel network is a prerequisite for the survival and growth of almost all tissues and organs in the human body. Moreover, in ...

A Novel Technique for Generating and Observing Chemiluminescence in a Biological Setting

Intraoperative imaging techniques have the potential to make surgical interventions safer and more effective; for these reasons, such techniques are quickly moving into the operating room. Here, we present a new approach that utilizes a technique not yet explored for intraoperative imaging: chemiluminescent imaging. This method employs a ruthenium-based chemiluminescent reporter along with a custom-built nebulizing system to produce ex vivo or in vivo images with high signal-to-noise ratios. The ruthenium-based reporter produces light following exposure to an aqueous oxidizing solution and re-reduction within the surrounding tissue. This method has allowed us to detect reporter concentrations as low as 6.9 pmol/cm2. In this work, we present a visual guide to our proof-of-concept in vivo studies involving subdermal and intravenous injections in mice. The results suggest that this technology is a promising candidate for further preclinical research and might ultimately become a useful tool in the operating room.

This protocol describes a new intraoperative imaging technique that uses a ruthenium complex as a source of chemiluminescent light emission, thereby producing high signal-to-noise ratios during in vivo imaging. Intraoperative imaging is an expanding field that could revolutionize the way that surgical procedures are performed.

Intraoperative imaging techniques have the potential to make surgical interventions safer and more effective; for these reasons, such techniques are ...

Patterning Bioactive Proteins or Peptides on Hydrogel Using Photochemistry for Biological Applications

There are many biological stimuli that can influence cell behavior and stem cell differentiation. General cell culture approaches rely on soluble factors within the medium to control cell behavior. However, soluble additions cannot mimic certain signaling motifs, such as matrix-bound growth factors, cell-cell signaling, and spatial biochemical cues, which are common influences on cells. Furthermore, biophysical properties of the matrix, such as substrate stiffness, play important roles in cell fate, which is not easily manipulated using conventional cell culturing practices. In this method, we describe a straightforward protocol to provide patterned bioactive proteins on synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels using photochemistry. This platform allows for the independent control of substrate stiffness and spatial biochemical cues. These hydrogels can achieve a large range of physiologically relevant stiffness values. Additionally, the surfaces of these hydrogels can be photopatterned with bioactive peptides or proteins via thiol-ene click chemistry reactions. These methods have been optimized to retain protein function after surface immobilization. This is a versatile protocol that can be applied to any protein or peptide of interest to create a variety of patterns. Finally, cells seeded onto the surfaces of these bioactive hydrogels can be monitored over time as they respond to spatially specific signals.

In this method, we use photopolymerization and click chemistry techniques to create protein or peptide patterns on the surface of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels, providing immobilized bioactive signals for the study of cellular responses in vitro.

There are many biological stimuli that can influence cell behavior and stem cell differentiation. General cell culture approaches rely on soluble factors ...

Development of Microfluidic Devices to Study the Elongation Capability of Tip-growing Plant Cells in Extremely Small Spaces

In vivo, tip-growing plant cells need to overcome a series of physical barriers; however, researchers lack the methodology to visualize cellular behavior in such restrictive conditions. To address this issue, we have developed growth chambers for tip-growing plant cells that contain a series of narrow, micro-fabricated gaps (~1 &#181;m) in a poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. This transparent material allows the user to monitor tip elongation processes in individual cells during microgap penetration by time-lapse imaging. Using this experimental platform, we observed morphological changes in pollen tubes as they penetrated the microgap. We captured the dynamic changes in the shape of a fluorescently labeled vegetative nucleus and sperm cells in a pollen tube during this process. Furthermore, we demonstrated the capability of root hairs and moss protonemata to penetrate the 1 &#181;m gap. This in vitro platform can be used to study how individual cells respond to physically constrained spaces and may provide insights into tip-growth mechanisms.

We describe a method to investigate the capability of tip-growing plant cells, including pollen tubes, root hairs, and moss protonemata, to elongate through extremely narrow gaps (~1 &#181;m) in a microfluidic device.

In vivo, tip-growing plant cells need to overcome a series of physical barriers; however, researchers lack the methodology to visualize cellular behavior ...

Using Nanoplasmon-Enhanced Scattering and Low-Magnification Microscope Imaging to Quantify Tumor-Derived Exosomes

Infected or malignant cells frequently secrete more exosomes, leading to elevated levels of disease-associated exosomes in the circulation. These exosomes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and to monitor disease progression and treatment response. However, most exosome analysis procedures require exosome isolation and purification steps, which are usually time-consuming and labor-intensive, and thus of limited utility in clinical settings. This report describes a rapid procedure to analyze specific biomarkers on the outer membrane of exosomes without requiring separate isolation and purification steps. In this method, exosomes are captured on the surface of a slide by exosome-specific antibodies and then hybridized with nanoparticle-conjugated antibody probes specific to a disease. After hybridization, the abundance of the target exosome population is determined by analyzing low-magnification dark-field microscope (LMDFM) images of the bound nanoparticles. This approach can be easily adopted for research and clinical use to analyze membrane-associated exosome biomarkers linked to disease.

Clinical translation of exosome-derived biomarkers for diseased and malignant cells is hindered by the lack of rapid and accurate quantification methods. This report describes the use of low-magnification dark-field microscope images to quantify specific exosome subtypes in small volume serum or plasma samples.

Infected or malignant cells frequently secrete more exosomes, leading to elevated levels of disease-associated exosomes in the circulation. These exosomes ...

Use of Micro X-ray Computed Tomography with Phosphotungstic Acid Preparation to Visualize Human Fibromuscular Tissue

Manual dissection and histological observation are common methods used to investigate human tissues. However, manual dissection can damage delicate structures&#160;while processing and histological observation provide limited information through cross-sectional imaging. Micro X-ray computed tomography (microCT) is an effective tool for obtaining three-dimensional information without damaging specimens. However, it shows limited efficiency in differentiating soft tissue parts. Use of contrast-enhancing agents, like phosphotungstic acid (PTA), can solve this problem by improving soft tissue contrast. We implemented microCT with PTA to investigate the human orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL), which is a delicate structure in the orbit area. In this method, harvested specimens are fixed in formalin, dehydrated in serial ethanol solutions, and stained with a PTA solution. After staining, microCT scanning, 3D reconstruction, and analysis are performed. Skin, ligaments, and muscles can be clearly visualized using this method. The specimen size and duration of staining are essential features of the method. The suitable specimen thickness was about 5&#8211;7 mm, above which the process was slowed, and the optimum duration was 5&#8211;7 days, below which an empty hole in the central area occasionally occurred. To maintain the location and direction of small pieces during cutting, sewing on the same region of each part is recommended. Furthermore, preliminary analyses of the anatomical structure are needed to correctly identify each piece. Parafilm can be used to prevent drying, but care should be taken to prevent specimen distortion. Our multidirectional observation showed that the ORL is composed of a multilayered meshwork of continuous plates, rather than thread-like fibers, as reported previously. These results suggest that microCT scanning with PTA is useful for examining specific compartments within complex structures of human tissue. It may be helpful in the analyses of cancer tissues, nerve tissues, and various organs, like the heart and liver.

Micro X-ray computed tomography is effective in obtaining three-dimensional information from undamaged human specimens but has limited success in observing soft tissues. The use of phosphotungstic acid contrast agent can resolve this issue. We implemented this contrast agent to examine human delicate fibromuscular tissues (the orbicularis retaining ligament).

Manual dissection and histological observation are common methods used to investigate human tissues. However, manual dissection can damage delicate ...