title: Nanomechanical probing of the septum and surrounding substances on Streptococcus mutans cells and biofilms.
abstract: We report a unique bio-nanomechanical behavior at the septum (Z-ring) of Streptococcus mutans-containing biofilm through in situ measurements obtained by atomic force microscopy. A distinct serrated pattern on the releasing force-displacement curves can only be observed with the use of a sharp nanosized probe tip, and this was found at the septum of S. mutans. Further investigations suggested the serrated patterns could be due to the unfolding of some sub-surface divisome proteins. Seismometer measurements were conducted at the septum by placing an ultra-sensitive atomic force microscope probe on the surface. Unique periodic vibrations were observed at the septum under various biofilm conditions. This finding suggests the possibility of remodeling of the cell wall nanostructure at the septum of S. mutans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, ROC. hcliu@mail.ncku.edu.tw
authors.forename: Bernard Haochih
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Kun-Lin
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wen-Ke
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Jiunn-Der
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Liao
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology; D058767:Protein Unfolding; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins