Nanostructure and Nanomechanics of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Their Changes Under Nitrogen Limitation by Atomic Force Microscopy

In this paper, atomic force microscopy was employed to study the harmful algal bloom species Prorocentrum donghaiense for first time. Cells were immobilized in pores of polycarbonate membrane keep moist and acquire images P. at different scales. Typical ultrastructures, such as knob-like spines valve pores, observed on cell surfaces. These structures had similar characteristics those scanning electron images. Moreover, height spacing typical nanostructure, nanomechanical parameters adhesion elasticity, also quantified by AFM. Additionally, changes surface nanostructure under nitrogen limitation further studied. Compared with cells normal culture conditions, roughness decreased, elastic modulus increased limitation. Potential ability perform physiological functions are reflected parameters, including roughness, adhesion, elasticity. The results reveal how responds external environment approximately conditions from perspective nanostructures provide a new understanding its biology.