title: Automated detection of protein unfolding events in atomic force microscopy force curves.
abstract: Atomic force microscopy is not only a high-resolution imaging device but also a mechanical machine, which can be used either to indent or stretch (soft) biomaterials. Due to the statistical nature of such materials (i.e., hydrogels or polymers) hundreds of force-distance curves are required to describe their mechanical properties. In this manuscript, we present an automated system for polymer unfolding detection based on continuous wavelet analysis. We have tested the automated program on elastin, which is an important protein that provides elasticity to tissues and organs. Our results show that elastin changes its mechanical behavior in the presence of electrolytes. In particular, we show that NaCl has a different effect on the contour length than CaCl2for similar unfolding forces. In addition, we provide the program in the supporting information for the researches facing such kind of problem.
authors: Department of Teaching Music, Arts and Body Expression, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: García-Massó
authors: Center for Biosystems Analysis, Habsburger Str. 49, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany.|Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Alberstr. 19, Freiburg im Breisgau, 79104, Germany.
authors: Matthias C
authors: MC
authors: Huber
authors: Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Friedmann
authors: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors: Luis M
authors: LM
authors: Gonzalez
authors: Center for Biosystems Analysis, Habsburger Str. 49, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany.|Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Alberstr. 19, Freiburg im Breisgau, 79104, Germany.
authors: Stefan M
authors: SM
authors: Schiller
authors: Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. jose.toca-herrera@boku.ac.at.
authors: José L
authors: JL
authors: Toca-Herrera
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004549:Elastin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D058767:Protein Unfolding; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D013816:Thermodynamics; D058067:Wavelet Analysis
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride; D004549:Elastin
keywords: adhesion; atomic force microscopy; detection program; elastin; unfolding