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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
Rheological properties of cryptococcal polysaccharide change with fiber size, antibody binding and temperature
Glauber R de S Araújo1, Nathan B Viana2,3, Bruno Pontes2
1Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Aim:Cryptococcus neoformans is the major agent of cryptococcosis. The main virulence factor is the polysaccharide (PS) capsule. Changes in cryptococcal PS properties have been poorly elucidated. Materials & methods: We analyzed the mechanical properties of secreted PS and intact capsules, using dynamic light scattering and optical tweezers. Results: Storage and loss moduli showed that secreted PS behaves as a viscoelastic liquid, while capsular PS behaves as a viscoelastic solid. The secreted PS remains as a viscoelastic fluid at different temperatures with thermal hysteresis after 85°C. Antibody binding altered the viscoelastic behavior of both secreted and capsular PS. Conclusion: Deciphering the mechanical aspects of these structures could reveal features that may have consequences in novel therapies against cryptococcosis.
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