Rhizobial surface biopolymers and their interaction with lectin measured by atomic force microscopy
Journal
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
6
Pages
565-570
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the morphology and physicochemical properties of rhizobia and to probe cell-surface polymers with tips modified with soybean agglutinin (SBA). AFM measurements of the length, width, and height of Sinorhizobium fredii CCRC15769 were 1580±450, 870±70, and 270±50 nm, respectively (means±SD). Different AFM image modes revealed the morphology, adhesion, viscoelasticity, and surface roughness of rhizobia in air using the tapping operation. Force-distance relationships between SBA-terminated AFM probes and Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110 were recorded and the retraction curves showed an unbinding force of 106±48 pN with a loading rate of 1 nN/s in PBS containing 0.1 mM Mn 2+ and 0.1 mM Ca2+ (pH 7.2). The technique of AFM provides information about the morphology and molecular interaction forces of rhizobia under physiological conditions. © Springer 2006.
Type
journal article