Biophysica, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 8 articles

We present a corrosion-resistant quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QIT-MS) for the direct detection of biosignature gasses in chemically reactive planetary atmospheres, such as Venusian clouds. The system employs a Paul trap with hyperbolic titanium alloy electrodes and alumina spacers for chemical durability and precise ion confinement. An yttria-coated iridium filament serves as the thermionic emitter within a modular electron gun capable of axial and radial ionization. Analytes are introduced through fused silica capillaries and crescent inlets into a miniature pressure cell. The testbed integrates high-voltage RF electronics, pressure-regulated sample delivery, and FPGA-based control for real-time tuning. Continuous operation in 98% sulfuric acid vapor for over three months demonstrated no degradation in emitter or sensor performance. Mass spectra revealed H₂SO₄ fragmentation and thermally induced decomposition up to 425 K. Spectral variations with filament current and electron energy highlight thermal and electron-induced dissociation dynamics. Operational modes include high-resolution scans and selective ion ejection (e.g., CO₂⁺, N₂⁺) to enhance the detection of PH₃⁺, H₂S⁺, and daughter ions. The compact QIT-MS platform is validated for future missions targeting corrosive atmospheres, enabling in situ astrobiological investigations through the detection of biosignature gasses such as phosphine and hydrogen sulfide. Full article

The tetrameric protein transthyretin (TTR) transports the hormone thyroxine in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Certain point mutations of TTR, including the Val122Ile mutation investigated here, destabilize the tetramer leading to its dissociation, misfolding, aggregation, and the eventual buildup of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. Cioffi et al. reported the design and synthesis of a novel TTR kinetic stabilizing ligand, referred to here as TKS14, that inhibited TTR dissociation and amyloid fibril formation. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the binding of TKS14 and eight TSK14 derivatives to the Val122Ile TTR mutant. For each complex, the ligand’s solvent accessible surface area (SASA), ligand–receptor hydrogen-bonding interactions, and the free energy of ligand-binding to TTR were investigated. The goal of this study was to identify the TSK14 functional groups that contributed to TTR stabilization. TKS14 was found to form a stable, two-point interaction with TTR by hydrogen bonding to Ser-117 residues in the inner receptor binding pocket and interacting through hydrogen bonds and electrostatically with Lys-15 residues near the receptor’s surface. The free energy of TKS14-TTR binding was −18.0 kcal mol⁻¹ and the ligand’s average SASA value decreased by over 80% upon binding to the receptor. The thermodynamic favorability of TTR binding decreased when TKS14 derivatives contained either methyl ester, amide, tetrazole, or N-methyl functional groups that disrupted the above two-point interaction. One derivative in which a tetrazole ring was added to TKS14 was found to form hydrogen bonds with Thr-106, Thr-119, Ser-117, and Lys-15 residues. This derivative had a free energy of TTR binding of −21.4 kcal mol⁻¹. Overall, the molecular dynamics simulations showed that the functional groups within the TKS14 structural template can be tuned to optimize the thermodynamic favorability of ligand binding. Full article

Fungal diseases represent a significant threat to global agriculture, leading to substantial crop losses and endangering food security worldwide. Conventional chemical fungicides, while effective, are increasingly criticized for their detrimental environmental impacts, including soil degradation, water contamination, and the disruption of non-target organisms. Additionally, the overuse of these fungicides has accelerated the emergence of resistant fungal strains, further challenging disease management strategies. In response to these issues, bio-nanofungicides and nano-biofungicides have emerged as a cutting-edge solution, combining biocompatibility, environmental safety, and enhanced efficacy. These advanced formulations integrate bio-based agents, such as microbial metabolites or plant extracts, with nanotechnology to improve their stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery. Chitosan, silica, and silver nanoparticles were extensively studied for their ability to encapsulate bioactive compounds or because of their outstanding antifungal activity, while minimizing environmental residues. Recent studies demonstrated the potential of nano-based fungicides to address critical gaps in sustainable agriculture, with promising applications in integrated pest management systems. Here, we summarize the last advances in the development of bio-nanofungicides and nano-biofungicides and analyze the main differences between them. In addition, challenges such as large-scale production, regulatory approval, and comprehensive risk assessments are discussed. Full article

Cell-based therapy is a promising direction for the treatment of various diseases. However, it is associated with several problems, primarily related to reproducibility and standardization. In this context, the development of new methods for the production of cell-based preparations is of particular relevance. Recently, a novel technology named ‘crossing’ has been developed. It comprises the multi-stage vibrational processing of two closely spaced test tubes containing the initial substance and a neutral carrier (water or lactose). As a result, the neutral carrier acquires some properties of the initial substance, and artificial products, vibrational iterations, are obtained. Some vibrational iterations are also capable of exerting a modifying effect on the initial substance (or its target in the body), changing its physico-chemical/biological properties. Earlier, we demonstrated the possibility of obtaining vibrational iterations from biological molecules (antibodies). In this study, we evaluated the biological effects of vibrational iterations obtained by the crossing technology using cells grown in culture. This work shows that vibrational iterations obtained from CHO-S cell culture affect the ability of CHO-S cells to utilize glucose in the presence of insulin. The data demonstrate the prospect of developing fundamentally new biological drugs based on vibrational iterations, including for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Full article

Neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, both of which lead to progressive loss of neurons resulting in the severe loss of cognitive and motor functions. These diseases are among the heavy burdens on global healthcare systems largely because there is no cure, and current treatments apply almost entirely to controlling symptoms rather than disease progression. Recent advances in 3D printing and bioprinting technologies now open the way to overcome these challenges and form patient-specific models and therapeutical tools closely simulating the complex environment of the human brain. It then further illustrates how this technological integration with the aid of 3D printing, coupled with microfabrication and biosensing technologies, transforms drug-screening platforms as well as develops customization in medicine. For example, one can form highly intricate and multi-materially composed structures to better facilitate one’s study or test into some new therapeutic possibilities using methodologies of stereolithography and selective laser sintering. Moreover, 3D printing allows the creation of organ-on-a-chip models that simulate brain-like conditions, which may help identify specific biomarkers and evaluate new options of therapy. On the other hand, bioprinting methods based on neural cells combined with scaffolds mimicking native tissue dramatically transform regenerative medicine. New pathways in neural tissue development and implantable devices are now being brought forth, which can be tailored to the needs of individual patients. These advances bring not only greater precision in terms of the therapy that can be delivered but also 3D printing of implantable microelectrodes able to determine real-time biomarkers responsible for neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this review highlights the robust impact that might be brought forth on the diagnosis and treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases via 3D printing technologies toward more effective management and personal solutions for healthcare. Full article

The description of the organization of microorganisms in terms of emergent “social” interactions has long been a fascinating and challenging subject, in both biology and sociology. In these organisms, the role of the individual is far less dominant than that of the community, which operates as a sort of superorganism. The coordination is achieved through a communication mechanism known as quorum sensing. Quorum sensing coordinates and regulates various biological aspects of a microbial community, such as the expression of pathogenicity factors, biofilm formation, and the production of secondary metabolites, among others. These processes rely on the coordinated behavior of the entire bacterial population, enabling them to adapt and thrive withing a specific ecological niche under its unique biological, physical and chemical conditions. Finally, quorum sensing also allows the community to control the development of potentially harmful individuals, thus preserving the cooperativeness of the community. This study uses an agent-based quorum sensing model to explore the relationship between metabolic functions and social behavior in bacteria. In particular, we identify two metabolic parameters whose variations provide a broad panorama of possible social characteristics. Furthermore, the proposed QS model allows us to reproduce, at least qualitatively, some experimental results regarding the competition between some strains with different social characteristics. Finally, we examine how an ideal polyculture responds to variations in the metabolic characteristics of its components. Specifically, we identify a particularly stable condition in which the components cooperate to maximize the overall health of the colony. We refer to this state as resonance for life. Full article

This study focuses on biochemical pathways of complex biochemical formation, taking into account various thermodynamic parameters that change as the complexity and molecular weight of complex molecules increase. We conducted a study of the co-direction of changes in thermodynamic quantities such as $lg\left[K_d\right]$, $T\Delta S$, $\Delta (\Delta W)$, and $lg\left(\mathrm{cond}\right(W\left)\right)$ during the transition from a monomer to a dimer and then to a trimer and tetramer. In this work, we assume that the co-direction of changes in thermodynamic quantities as the final molecular formation being achieved signals a higher affinity of molecules among themselves than there is for a biochemical formation, which is characterized by the lack of coordination of the biochemical pathway directions of the final molecular compound. As the studied molecular complexes, we took [LGP2-8dsRNA-LGP2], [VP35]₂-dsRNA-[VP35]₂, and MARV NPcore proteins with peptides and the complex of MJ20 with antigens from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. Calculations of biochemical reaction paths were conducted. Full article

Within the field of physiology, it is widely recognized that the constant flow of mobile ions across the plasma membrane generates membrane potential in living cells. This understanding is a part of the membrane theory. Despite this, membrane theory does not account for the role of ion adsorption (or desorption) processes in generating membrane potential, even though ion adsorption is a key concept in basic thermodynamics. Presently, the study of physiology lacks integration with thermodynamic principles. The membrane theory posits that living cells can differentiate between Na⁺ and K⁺ by means of channels and pumps. Thus, Na⁺ and K⁺ differentially impact the membrane potential. On the other hand, the Hofmeister effect, an older and less prominent thermodynamic theory, proposes that Na⁺ and K⁺ have varying adsorption levels to biomolecules, potentially accounting for their distinct effects on membrane potential even without the involvement of channels and pumps. This concept, distinct from the traditional membrane theory and grounded in ion adsorption (desorption) alongside the Hofmeister effect, might elucidate the process of membrane potential formation. This ion adsorption (desorption) and Hofmeister effect-based idea relates to the previously overlooked Association-Induction Hypothesis (AIH). Our experimental measurements of membrane potentials using artificial cell models highlight that ion adsorption activity and the Hofmeister effect have a comparable impact on the generation of membrane potential as ion flow in the conventional physiological model, assisted by channels and pumps. Full article