Biophysical methods to quantify mechanics, shapes and forces

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jochen Guck
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Biophysics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 492010287

The central objective of the SPP Physics of Parasitism is the establishment of a new field of enquiry — physical parasitology — which seeks to provide a systematic, quantitative and comparative analysis of the physical foundations of the epic struggle between parasites and their hosts. PoP considers parasites as physical entities, and aspires to understand what the relevant physics is that governs, enables or limits, the behaviour of parasites within their hosts. The premise is that this approach will provide novel and useful insight into processes that could ultimately be used to control the pathogenic aspects of parasite infection. Such conceptual advances in biology and medicine have always driven by access to advanced physical technology. Thus, it is an essential prerequisite for the success of this endeavour to have access to appropriate biophysical methods to quantify the relevant physical parameters such as shapes, mechanics and forces. The present Z-project provides an enabling toolset of advanced biophysical methods for the other experimental projects within this SPP. Available are (1) atomic force microscopy-enabled nanoindentation for mechanical characterization of cells, structures and tissues, (2) real-time deformability cytometry for high-throughput quantification of cell shape and deformability, (3) Brillouin microscopy for the 3D mapping of viscoelastic properties inside biological samples, (4) optical diffraction tomography for the 3D characterization of mass density distributions inside cells and small organisms, and (5) hydrogel beads with well-defined mechanical properties (elastic modulus 0.5 – 15 kPa) and size (diameter 8 – 25 µm) as cell-scale stress sensors. Interested project partners within the SPP will be educated about these techniques and the relevant physics background and concepts. Experiments will be conducted jointly, or independently after appropriate instruction, in our labs in Erlangen. The existing methods and approaches will be refined for the specific experimental questions at hand, and novel methods development will be initiated as necessary. As many of the colleagues applying for funding within this SPP come from more traditional areas of parasitology, and have no prior exposure, or access, to biophysical tools, this Z-project is a crucial component for the success of this SPP. Together we will provide in many cases the first, even most basic, yet essential quantification of mechanical properties, shapes and forces with a potential transformative impact on the field of parasitology.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2332: Physics of Parasitism