Advanced in situ Characterization of Biological Interfaces and Materials

Biological materials are complex as they naturally contribute to environments that “grow and develop.” Past investigations into these biological interfaces and materials are limited by the sensitivity of standard methodologies, lacking the necessary temporal and spatial resolutions. Moreover, multiple techniques may be required to understand the organization and activity of these materials in their native states. To concisely characterize and measure properties of these model systems, novel toolsets are required to accurately access ranges of time- and length- scales which are physiologically-relevant.

Recent advances in characterization techniques have enabled detailed in situ investigations that can probe dynamic processes. Methods including scanning probe microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, and synchrotron X-ray techniques can capture processes in real-time and under relevant conditions, such as in liquid environments. In situ characterization tools will play an increasingly essential role in gaining a fundamental understanding of important phenomena, and multiple complementary techniques will be required to understand mechanisms in biological materials and their properties.

This collection of articles will bring together researchers involved in cross-disciplinary work taking place around the world to showcase cutting edge multimodal in situ capabilities and foster collaboration and new directions. We seek contributions from across disciplines ranging from the chemistry of materials to molecular biophysics–with a focus on diverse approaches and perspectives, such as direct observation, molecular-scale investigations into biologically-relevant processes which are often dynamic and occur at a continuum of length scales.

The potential contribution topics include, but are not limited to:
- Biological materials
- Biological interfaces
- In situ characterization
- Direct observation of biologically relevant process
- Molecular-scale investigation into biologically relevant process
- Chemistry of materials
- Molecular biophysics