Zymosan particles, mainly composed of layers of mannan, β-glucan and chitin, are the insoluble cell walls extracted from <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>. The different chemical structures can be recognized by different receptors on innate immune cells and subsequently stimulate inflammatory responses. Zymosan particles have been widely used for understanding anti-fungal immunity and treating cancer as immune-potentiator adjuvant. Therefore, understanding the physiochemical properties of the zymosan particles and the correlation between their properties and functions has significant implications. However, even though the topography and composition of zymosan have been investigated previously, little is known about the chemical and surface properties of zymosan particles in nanoscale. Combining scanning electron microscopy and peak force infrared microscopy (PFIR), we revealed the nanoscale heterogeneous distribution of glycans and amide bonds on zymosan particle surface, and more importantly, how such chemical heterogeneity correlates with the surface morphology of the zymosan particles. We also observed the heterogeneous recruitment of Dectin-1 to zymosan phagosomes using structured illumination microscopy indicating that the nanoscale chemical inhomogeneity gives rise to the non-uniform distribution of receptors on phagosome membranes that encapsulate the zymosan particles. Thus, combining different super-resolution techniques, we revealed the chemical heterogeneity on zymosan surface and its correlation with biological functions.

Super-resolution imaging of nanoscale chemical heterogeneity on zymosan particles

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.