Galina Ivanivna Dovbeshko

9th International conference “NANOBIOPHYSICS: Fundamental and Applied Aspects” – NBP-2025 took place on October 6-9, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in online format, being organized by B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Previous conferences of the “NanoBioPhysics” series, launched in 2009, were organized on a biennial basis in Kharkiv and Kyiv in rotation. The conference brought together more than 100 participants from 13 countries: Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the USA. A total of 93 keynote, oral, and poster presentations were made. The goal of the conference was to discuss the urgent problems and new results achieved in the scientific field combining biophysics and nanotechnology, embracing nanobiohybrids formed by 1-D or 2-D nanomaterials with bioobjects, properties of biomolecules on nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces, physical aspects of biomolecular nanosystems, theoretical calculations, computer modeling, and applied aspects of nanobiosystems. A special event within the framework of NBP-2025 was the round table on the topic “History of Biophysics in Kharkiv”, dedicated to the commemoration of outstanding scientists who formed the scientific school of molecular biophysics in the second half of the 20th century, which received recognition in Ukraine and abroad. Memories of them were shared by their students and followers, as well as employees of the biophysical departments of scientific institutions in Kharkiv. A book of abstracts based on NBP-2025 materials has been published.

Cell mechanical properties are fundamental to numerous cellular functions, including growth, division, motility, adhesion, and responsiveness to pharmacological treatments. The mechanics of cellular components collectively contribute to overall cell mechanical behavior. Structures such as the membrane, cytoskeleton, nucleus, and other organelles constitute an interconnected network that is central to the mechanobiology of individual cells. During the progression of tumor cells to a metastatic phenotype, significant alterations in mechanical properties occur, playing a pivotal role in this transformation. To model metastasizing tumor cells, cultivation under deadhesive conditions has been employed. In this study, two cell lines with distinct metastatic potentials — Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and LLC/R9 — were cultured under either adhesive (representing typical tumor cells) or deadhesive (representing metastatic tumor cells) conditions. The quantitative assessment of cell mechanical properties was found to depend upon the cell cycle phase, measurement technique, and theoretical modeling approach. This article examines alterations in mechanical properties, specifically membrane tension and elastic shear modulus, in circulating metastatic tumor cells as determined via micropipette aspiration. Results indicate that cells grown under deadhesive conditions exhibit greater population homogeneity and a narrower distribution of elastic shear modulus values compared to those grown under adhesive conditions. Furthermore, LLC cells demonstrated lower elastic shear moduli than LLC/R9 cells, correlating with their respective metastatic activities. These mechanical parameters may serve as valuable markers for determining the metastatic potential of tumor cells.

Фосфорен – це перспективний двовимiрний матерiал, що складається з моношару фосфору, штучно створеного з шаруватого чорного фосфору, вiдомого як найстабiльнiший алотроп фосфору. Ми очiкуємо, що фосфорени демонструватимуть подiбну поведiнку до графенових пiдкладок для поверхнево-посиленої iнфрачервоної спектроскопiї (SEIRA). В данiй роботi представлено експеримент SEIRA на модельнiй бiологiчнiй клiтиннiй мембранi на основi лiпiдiв DOPC на поверхнi з кiлькох шарiв фосфорену. Коефiцiєнт пiдсилення, отриманий в експериментi, становить до 2–4 без змiни положень частот поглинання основних маркерних смуг лiпосом, що можна порiвняти з даними на частинках металевого срiбла. DFT-розрахунки системи DOPC-фосфорен показали високу реакцiйну здатнiсть багатошарових фосфоренiв i можливiсть швидкого, часто оборотного, залежно вiд pH середовища, окислення й вiдновлення фосфорену лiпiдними групами. Враховуючи, що оптичний сигнал вiд мембрани незначний, цю методику можна рекомендувати для експериментiв iз застосуванням 2D-фосфорену як пiдкладки SEIRA та SERS у дослiдженнi мембран.

The low-temperature specific heat of expanded graphite (EG) and EG–multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites (1.0, 3.0 wt. % MWCNTs) was investigated over the temperature range of 2–300 K. The results reveal that the heat capacity of pure EG and EG–MWCNT composites is primarily governed by low-frequency out-of-plane phonons with quadratic dispersion, characteristic of two-dimensional layered systems. These flexural phonon modes dominate vibrational behavior at cryogenic temperatures. Compared to bulk crystalline graphite, EG exhibits higher heat capacity at low temperatures due to its increased defect density, structural disorder, and reduced interlayer coherence. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements of the structure supported by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the variations in the stacking order, defect concentration, and impurity levels. Heat capacity was effectively described by a three-term equation: a defect-related linear term (C1T), a Debye phonon term (C3T3), and a dispersive phonon term (C5T5). A strong correlation was observed between the linear coefficient (C1) and EG density, validated by the Raman I2D/IG ratio. The negative C5 coefficient in EG samples confirms the quadratic dispersion of flexural phonons, aligning with the Komatsu–Nagamiya phonon model and emphasizing EG's anisotropic vibrational properties. The absence of a low-temperature hump, typical in disordered solids, further supports the two-dimensional phonon behavior. These findings highlight the impact of MWCNT integration and structural disorder on the vibrational heat capacity of EG-based composites, offering insight into phonon dynamics in anisotropic carbon systems.

Posttranslational modifications of human enzymes play a crucial role in disease development. 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), a lipid peroxidation product, can modify proteins and disrupt their function. Human cytochrome CYP4F11, involved in lipid metabolism and xenobiotic degradation, was previously shown to be inhibited by 4‐HNE in a malaria model, where hemozoin‐induced 4‐HNE formation occurs in monocytes. However, structural changes to CYP4F11 upon 4‐HNE modification had not been described. In this study, we investigated these changes using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. DSC thermograms revealed an increased energetic barrier to unfolding, suggesting structural reorganization. FTIR data, supported by computational analysis, showed a decrease in alpha‐helix content (0.2–2.5%) and an increase in beta‐structure (2.2–3.3%), along with altered disordered regions. Raman spectroscopy indicated significant changes in luminescence decay across emission wavelengths. These structural alterations induced by 4‐HNE conjugation (protein lipoxidation) may significantly influence the enzymatic activity of CYP4F11, with potential implications for lipid metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification.

A series of new binuclear anionic coordination compounds of yttrium (III) and europium (III) with bis-carbacylamidophosphate ligand tetramethyl N,N′-(2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1,5-dioxo­pentane-1,5-diyl)bis(phosphoramidate) and six different cations has been obtained with an aim to study the cation influence on the thermal and spectral properties of the complexes. The synthesis of coordination compounds was carried out using standard techniques based on the exchange reaction between lanthanide nitrates and the sodium or triethylammonium salt of the ligand in non-aqueous solutions. The complexes’ composition was established by means of elemental and thermal gravimetric analyses as well as 1H NMR spectroscopy. The chelating type of metal bin­ding with participation of both chelating cores of the bis-carbacylamidophosphate was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. It was shown that the cation nature greatly influences the properties of comp­lexes, such as solubility, thermal stability, and luminescence characteristics, as well as determines the degree of the complexes’ hydration. The europium (III) complexes exhibit f-f emission, which is sensitized by the ligands. The luminescence intensity, bands splitting, and bands intensity ratios, as well as luminescence decay time and intrinsic quantum yield, were found to be strongly dependent on the cation in the complexes under study. The red/orange ratio for the europium (III) complexes varies from 2.6 to 7.6, the luminescence decay time varies from 0.76 to 2.74 ms, and the intrinsic quantum yield varies from 24 to 90 %. The temperature of decomposition varies in the range near 155–190 °C, depending on the cation. The manuscript contributes to the studies of influence of outer sphere interactions on the luminescence of lanthanides’ complexes, which is important for design of luminescent compounds with suitable for practical application properties.

We present a method developed for studying thermal properties through thermally activated mechanisms of the relaxation system during light irradiation at room temperature, which allows us to obtain the relaxation time of the system. The temperature relaxation of MoS2 samples, which reflects cooperative structural transitions, is described by a multiexponential function. The dynamics of changes in these parameters shows that the duration of irradiation of the samples affects an increased contribution of the slow relaxation component in 2D-MoS2.

Background: Microscopy is a key tool in biophysical research for visualizing living cells' morphology, structure, and dynamic processes. Depending on the specific research goals, various optical and electron microscopy techniques can be applied, each offering unique benefits. Determining the structural features of the cytoskeleton, nucleus, and membrane of circulating tumor cells in the model Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) is an important biophysical and biological task, as it will allow identifying targets for antitumor and antimetastatic therapy, as well as investigating the mechanisms of action of antitumor drugs. However, comprehensive multimodal imaging of such cells — particularly under non-adherent conditions — remains limited in the literature due to the difficulty of working with such models. Objectives: This study aimed to visualize Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells cultured under de-adhesive conditions using various microscopy techniques for their characterization and to examine the cancer cells' structure and functionality. The goal was to evaluate each method's individual capabilities and combined strengths in revealing cellular morphology, internal structure, and nanoparticle interactions. Materials and Methods: LLC cells were obtained from the National Bank of Cell Lines and Tumor Strains of the IEPOR (NAS of Ukraine) and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium under conditions of de-adhesive growth. Imaging was performed using inverted optical microscopy (Euromex Oxion), fluorescence and confocal microscopy (Carl Zeiss LSM 510) with F-actin (Alexa Fluor 488-phalloidin) and nuclear (Hoechst 33342) staining, and label-free Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy (Leica TCS SP8). Scanning electron microscopy (TESCAN MIRA3 LMU) was used for high-resolution surface imaging. 2D-MoS₂ nanoparticles, as well as 2D-MoS₂ and doxorubicin simultaneously, were applied to investigate nanoparticle-mediated labeling and cellular uptake. Results: A comparative analysis of multiple imaging modalities — including optical, fluorescence, confocal, CARS, and SEM — was applied to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Fluorescence microscopy with specific fluorophores made it possible to analyze the size and properties of actin fibers and showed that nuclei occupy most of the deadhesive cells. Electron microscopy revealed numerous filopodia on the cell surface. CARS showed the presence of lipid droplets in the cells. Conclusions: Each microscopy method provided complementary insights into cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, lipid content, and surface ultrastructure. Nanoparticles demonstrated high utility as dual imaging and therapeutic agents. This work represents the first detailed SEM study of non-adherent LLC cells and highlights the potential of integrated multimodal imaging for studying circulating tumor cell models.

Background. The predominance of aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation (the Warburg effect) is characteristic of almost all invasive forms of cancer. The specificity of cancer (especially metastatic) cell energy metabolism represents multiple targets for therapeutic intervention using glycolysis inhibitors. Although the transition of cells to the bloodstream (i.e., anchorage-independent growth) is an important step of the metastatic cascade, the question of the cytotoxic efficacy of glycolysis inhibitors against these cells remains largely open. Methods. The cytotoxicity of 2-deoxy-D-glucose, sodium oxamate, metformin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel against high and low metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma cells during anchorage-independent growth (using polyHEMA coated plates) compared to anchorage-dependent growth was studied. The survival, proliferative activity, metabolic plasticity, and FTIR-ATR spectra of the sodium oxamate-resistant cells under different growth conditions were investigated Results. Unlike cisplatin and paclitaxel (which are the basic drugs for the treatment of lung cancer) glycolysis inhibitors such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose and sodium oxamate exhibit high cytotoxicity against carcinoma cells during anchorage-independent growth (compared to anchorage-dependent growth), which correlates with an enhanced glucose consumption rate of these cells. The cytotoxicity of glycolysis inhibitors was shown to be limited by the emergence of resistant cells whose survival was maintained at low glucose consumption rates especially in cells under anchorage-independent growth, most likely due to their ability to activate glutaminolysis. Conclusions. The enhanced cytotoxicity of glycolysis inhibitors against cells during anchorage-independent growth and the emergence of resistant cells, whose survival is presumably related to the activation of mitochondrial metabolism, indicates the potential antimetastatic efficacy of a combination of glycolysis and OXPHOS inhibitors

Metabolic disorders are an integral part of the development of diabetes mellitus. One of the most severe complications of diabetes is a diabetic foot, which is characterized by the formation of necrotic sores. The aim of the study was to experimentally test the hypothesis of the formation and accumulation of β-structured protein aggregates in diabetic foot tissues as markers of diabetes associated disorders. The formation of β-structured protein aggregates promotes their non-enzymatic glycosylation, which in turn promotes aggregation. There is a positive connection between the individual links of the pathological process. Breaking this link is a prerequisite for effective treatment. The results of the optical image analysis indicate the presence of β-structured protein aggregates, confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Thus, the presence of the total β-conformation reaches 47,6%. The assumption of an increasing contribution from the β-antiparallel conformation was made. Clear IR markers of necrotic tissues in the absorption region of stretching vibrations of C ˭ O and C–O molecular groups as well as a 2.5-fold increase in the intensity of the CH stretching bands compared to OH were observed. Conformational fitting and correlation analysis between different protein phases showed that the necrosis spectroscopic feature strongly correlates with water content, and α-helix plus triple helix negatively correlate with water content, β-conformation, and necrosis features. The assumption of an increasing contribution from β-antiparallel conformation connected with amyloid-like fibril formation was done.