Several pieces of equipment from Brookhaven Instruments were used in a featured study in Open Access, entitled “Capsules From Pathogenic And Non-Pathogenic Cryptococcus Spp. Manifest Significant Differences In Structure And Ability To Protect Against Phagocytic Cells”. In this study, Glauber de S. Araujo and his colleagues aimed to identify differences within Cryptococcus species that provided insight into capsule requirements for pathogenicity contribution.
The characteristics of the capsule from the non-pathogenic environmental yeast Cryptococcus liquefaciens were compared to that of C. neoformans by incorporating capsular polysaccharides (PS) of C. liquefaciens onto the cell surface of acapsular C. neoformans mutant cells. To prepare the PS solution, differential refractometry was performed using Brookhaven’s BI-DNDC to measure the change in refractive index as a function of concentration. Molecular masses and radius of gyration were then determined by laser light scattering with a Brookhaven BI-MwA molecular Weight Analyzer. To determine effective diameter and polydispersity of the PS sample, a quasi-electric light scattering (QELS) method was used with a Brookhaven NanoBrook 90Plus/BI-MAS Multi Angle Particle Sizing analyzer. Zeta potential, particle mobility and shift frequency of PS samples were also obtained and calculated in a Brookhaven’s NanoBrook ZetaPlus Zeta Potential analyzer. Statistical analyses of data gathered were carried out using Brookhaven Instruments’ software.
Through the study, it was found that capsular structures in pathogenic Cryptococcus species and environmental species shared similar features, but also manifested significant differences that could influence their potential virulence.
Zeta potential, static, and dynamic light scattering analyses are techniques widely used by experts as they develop approaches to better understand microorganisms and nanomaterials. These approaches produce new insights into scientific investigations in various areas. To ensure that correct and useful data is obtained, experts use only effective and reliable equipment. Brookhaven Instruments offers various products for zeta potential, static or dynamic light scattering analysis to aid in the study of small particles and polymers.
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