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ABSTRACT: Microorganisms often live in habitats characterized by fluid flow, and their adhesion to surfaces in industrial systems or clinical settings may lead to pipe clogging, microbially influenced corrosion, material deterioration, food spoilage, infections, and human illness. Here, a novel microfluidic platform was developed to investigate biofilm formation under precisely controlled (i) cell concentration, (ii) temperature, and (iii) flow conditions. The developed platform central unit is a single-channel microfluidic flow cell designed to ensure ultrahomogeneous flow and condition in its central area, where features, e.g., with trapping properties, can be incorporated. In comparison to static and macroflow chamber assays for biofilm studies, microfluidic chips allow in situ monitoring of biofilm formation under various flow regimes and have better environment control and smaller sample requirements.
Flow simulations and experiments with fluorescent particles were used to simulate bacteria flow in the platform cell for calculating flow velocity and direction at the microscale level. The combination of flow analysis and fluorescent strain injection in the cell showed that microtraps placed at the center of the channel were efficient in capturing bacteria at determined positions and to study how flow conditions, especially microvortices, can affect biofilm formation. The microfluidic platform exhibited improved performances in terms of homogeneity and robustness for in vitro biofilm formation. We anticipate the presented platform to be suitable for broad, versatile, and high-throughput biofilm studies at the microscale level.
The analysis of the presence and content of substances that are toxic to aquatic life in waste is essential for classification of waste with regard to hazard property (HP) 14 ‘ecotoxic’. For the determination of HP14 classified copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) compounds in various municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes (IBA) and one fly ash (FA) from Germany we applied X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy in combination with linear combination fitting. The analysis showed that approx. 50–70% of Cu in the IBA are Cu(I) compounds and elemental Cu(0), but these compounds were not equally distributed in the different IBA. In contrast, the majority (approx. 50–70%) of Zn in all IBA is elemental zinc, which originates from brass or other alloys and galvanized metals with a large content of zinc in the waste. The FA contain higher mass fraction on Zn and other toxic elements, but similar Cu and Zn species. Additional performed selective extraction at a pH of 4 with an organic acid of some IBA showed that the ecotoxic Zn fraction is mainly elemental zinc and zinc oxide. In contrast, for the ecotoxic Cu fraction within the IBA no specific compound could be identified. Furthermore, the XANES analysis showed that the HP14 properties of especially Cu in IBA is overestimated with current best-practice guidelines for sample processing for the current substance-related approach with the 0.1% cut-off rule for each substance. However, it should be considered whether it would not be better from an environmental point of view to take the ecotoxicologically leachable copper and zinc as a reference value.
Atmospheric deposition of particulate matter is an important indicator of air pollution and a significant factor in material surface fouling. The elemental composition of this nutrient-containing dust depends largely on the exposure region and time as well as on climate. Therefore, in this paper we report an analysis of atmospheric pollutions with a self-made low-cost bulk deposition sampler directed at sampling deposition via air transport and rainfall. We used the device in diverse environments - thus comparing an urban region, an area surrounded by forest and an area mainly dominated by agriculture. The total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) amounts were selected as indicator parameters and analyzed in a biweekly rhythm for three and a half and two years, respectively. The TOC value responded to particulate matter in the urban area, especially significant were the influences of the New Year's firework in urban and pollen in the rural forest area. In contrast, the TN value was more under the influence of the nitrogen emissions in the agriculture-dominated area. However, the TN value did not correlate with the NOx values in the urban area because the atmospheric nitrogen emissions in the city might originate from various emission sources. Summarizing, the TOC and TN values of the self-made low-cost bulk deposition sampler were in good agreement with environmental events of their immediate surrounding. Moreover, the selected containers and sampling procedures are universally applicable to monitor and analyze organic as well as inorganic parameters (e.g. metal ions) of atmospheric deposition.
The higher classification of termites requires substantial revision as the Neoisoptera, the most diverse termite lineage, comprise many paraphyletic and polyphyletic higher taxa. Here, we produce an updated termite classification using genomic-scale analyses. We reconstruct phylogenies under diverse substitution models with ultraconserved elements analyzed as concatenated matrices or within the multi-species coalescence framework. Our classification is further supported by analyses controlling for rogue loci and taxa, and topological tests. We show that the Neoisoptera are composed of seven family-level monophyletic lineages, including the Heterotermitidae Froggatt, Psammotermitidae Holmgren, and Termitogetonidae Holmgren, raised from subfamilial rank. The species-rich Termitidae are composed of 18 subfamily-level monophyletic lineages, including the new subfamilies Crepititermitinae, Cylindrotermitinae, Forficulitermitinae, Neocapritermitinae, Protohamitermitinae, and Promirotermitinae; and the revived Amitermitinae Kemner, Microcerotermitinae Holmgren, and Mirocapritermitinae Kemner. Building an updated taxonomic classification on the foundation of unambiguously supported monophyletic lineages makes it highly resilient to potential destabilization caused by the future availability of novel phylogenetic markers and methods. The taxonomic stability is further guaranteed by the modularity of the new termite classification, designed to accommodate as-yet undescribed species with uncertain affinities to the herein delimited monophyletic lineages in the form of new families or subfamilies.
AbstractEusocial insects, such as ants and termites, are characterized by high levels of coordinated social organization. This is contrasted by solitary insects that display more limited forms of collective behavior. It has been hypothesized that this gradient in sociobehavioral sophistication is positively correlated with chemical profile complexity, due to a potentially increased demand for diversity in chemical communication mechanisms in insects with higher levels of social complexity. However, this claim has rarely been assessed empirically. Here, we compare different levels of chemical and transcriptomic complexity in selected species of the order Blattodea that represent different levels of social organization, from solitary to eusocial. We primarily focus on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) complexity, since it has repeatedly been demonstrated that CHCs are key signaling molecules conveying a wide variety of chemical information in solitary as well as eusocial insects. We assessed CHC complexity and divergence between our studied taxa of different social complexity levels as well as the differentiation of their respective repertoires of CHC biosynthesis gene transcripts. Surprisingly, we did not find any consistent pattern of chemical complexity correlating with social complexity, nor did the overall chemical divergence or transcriptomic repertoire of CHC biosynthesis genes reflect on the levels of social organization. Our results challenge the assumption that increasing social complexity is generally reflected in more complex chemical profiles and point toward the need for a more cautious and differentiated view on correlating complexity on a chemical, genetic, and social level.
Knufia petricola is a black fungus that colonizes sun-exposed surfaces as extreme and oligotrophic environments. As ecologically important heterotrophs and biofilm-formers on human-made surfaces, black fungi form one of the most resistant groups of biodeteriorating organisms. Due to its moderate growth rate in axenic culture and available protocols for its transformation and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, K. petricola is used for studying the morpho-physiological adaptations shared by extremophilic and extremotolerant black fungi. In this study, the bacteria-derived tetracycline (TET)-dependent promoter (Tet-on) system was implemented to enable controllable gene expression in K. petricola. The functionality i.e., the dose-dependent inducibility of TET-regulated constructs was investigated by using GFP fluorescence, pigment synthesis(melanin and carotenoids) and restored uracil prototrophy as reporters. The newly generated cloning vectors containing the Tet-on construct, and the validated sites in the K. petricola genome for color-selectable or neutral insertion of expression constructs complete the reverse genetics toolbox. One or multiple genes can be expressed on demand from different genomic loci or from a single construct by using 2A self-cleaving peptides, e.g., for localizing proteins and protein complexes in the K. petricola cell or for using K. petricola as host for the expression of heterologous genes.
Cryomyces antarcticus, a melanized cryptoendolithic fungus endemic to Antarctica, can tolerate environmental conditions as severe as those in space. Particularly, its ability to withstand ionizing radiation has been attributed to the presence of thick and highly melanized cell walls, which—according to a previous investigation—may contain both 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) and L‐3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) melanin. The genes putatively involved in the synthesis of DHN melanin were identified in the genome of C. antarcticus. Most important is capks1 encoding a non‐reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) and being the ortholog of the functionally characterized kppks1 from the rock‐inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola. The co‐expression of CaPKS1 or KpPKS1 with a 4′‐phosphopantetheinyl transferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in the formation of a yellowish pigment, suggesting that CaPKS1 is the enzyme providing the precursor for DHN melanin. To dissect the composition and function of the melanin layer in the outer cell wall of C. antarcticus, non‐melanized mutants were generated by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing. Notwithstanding its slow growth (up to months), three independent non‐melanized Δcapks1 mutants were obtained. The mutants exhibited growth similar to the wild type and a light pinkish pigmentation, which is presumably due to carotenoids. Interestingly, visible light had an adverse effect on growth of both melanized wild‐type and non‐melanized Δcapks1 strains. Further evidence that light can pass the melanized cell walls derives from a mutant expressing a H2B‐GFP fusion protein, which can be detected by fluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, the study reports on the first genetic manipulation of C. antarcticus, resulting in non‐melanized mutants and demonstrating that the melanin is rather of the DHN type. These mutants will allow to elucidate the relevance of melanization for surviving extreme conditions found in the natural habitat as well as in space.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a significant collection of plastic introduced by human activities, provides an ideal environment to study bacterial lifestyles on plastic substrates. We proposed that bacteria colonizing the floating plastic debris would develop strategies to deal with the ultravioletexposed substrate, such as the production of antioxidant pigments. We observed a variety of pigmentation in 67 strains that were directly cultivated from plastic pieces sampled from the Garbage Patch. The genomic analysis of four representative strains, each distinct in taxonomy, revealed multiple pathways for carotenoid production. These pathways include those that produce
less common carotenoids and a cluster of photosynthetic genes. This
cluster appears to originate from a potentially new species of the Rhodobacteraceae family. This represents the first report of an aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophic bacterium from plastic biofilms. Spectral analysis showed that the bacteria actively produce carotenoids, such as betacarotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, and bacteriochlorophyll a. Furthermore, we discovered that the genetic ability to synthesize carotenoids is more common in plastic biofilms than in the surrounding water communities. Our findings suggest that plastic biofilms could be an overlooked source of bacteria-produced carotenoids, including rare forms. It also suggests that photoreactive molecules might play a crucial role in bacterial biofilm communities in surface water.
The classification of incineration bottom ash (IBA) as hazardous or non-hazardous according to ecotoxic hazard property HP14 is still under debate. In this context, only the compounds of Zn and Cu with the hazard statement code H410 are of relevance. With an approach based on the grouping of substances, it was shown that such substances are either readily water-soluble or slightly and sparingly soluble. The concentrations of readily soluble Cu and Zn compounds in IBA are far below the cut-off value of 0.1%. Slightly and sparingly soluble Zn and Cu compounds could be quantified in the first fraction of a four-step sequential extraction procedure. With the results from the complete sequence, the dimensionless synthesis toxicity index (STI) was calculated and was in the range of 494 to 1218 for the four investigated IBA samples. It was concluded that IBA can usually be classified as non-hazardous.
AbstractThe correlation between altered extracellular pH and various pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation and metabolic disorders, is well known. Bulk pH measurements cannot report the extracellular pH value at the cell surface. However, there is a limited number of suitable tools for measuring the extracellular pH of cells with high spatial resolution, and none of them are commonly used in laboratories around the world. In this study, a versatile ratiometric nanosensor for the measurement of extracellular pH was developed. The nanosensor consists of biocompatible polystyrene nanoparticles loaded with the pH-inert reference dye Nile red and is surface functionalized with a pH-responsive fluorescein dye. Equipped with a targeting moiety, the nanosensor can adhere to cell membranes, allowing direct measurement of extracellular pH at the cell surface. The nanosensor exhibits a sensitive ratiometric pH response within the range of 5.5–9.0, with a calculated pKa of 7.47. This range optimally covers the extracellular pH (pHe) of most healthy cells and cells in which the pHe is abnormal, such as cancer cells. In combination with the nanosensors ability to target cell membranes, its high robustness, reversibility and its biocompatibility, the pHe nanosensor proves to be well suited for in-situ measurement of extracellular pH, even over extended time periods. This pH nanosensor has the potential to advance biomedical research by improving our understanding of cellular microenvironments, where extracellular pH plays an important role.
The biogenesis of iron–sulfur (Fe/S) proteins entails the synthesis and trafficking of Fe/S clusters, followed by their insertion into target apoproteins. In eukaryotes, the multiple steps of biogenesis are accomplished by complex protein machineries in both mitochondria and cytosol. The underlying biochemical pathways have been elucidated over the past decades, yet the mechanisms of cytosolic [2Fe-2S] protein assembly have remained ill-defined. Similarly, the precise site of glutathione (GSH) requirement in cytosolic and nuclear Fe/S protein biogenesis is unclear, as is the molecular role of the GSH-dependent cytosolic monothiol glutaredoxins (cGrxs). Here, we investigated these questions in human and yeast cells by various in vivo approaches. [2Fe-2S] cluster assembly of cytosolic target apoproteins required the mitochondrial ISC machinery, the mitochondrial transporter Atm1/ABCB7 and GSH, yet occurred independently of both the CIA system and cGrxs. This mechanism was strikingly different from the ISC-, Atm1/ABCB7-, GSH-, and CIA-dependent assembly of cytosolic–nuclear [4Fe-4S] proteins. One notable exception to this cytosolic [2Fe-2S] protein maturation pathway defined here was yeast Apd1 which used the CIA system via binding to the CIA targeting complex through its C-terminal tryptophan. cGrxs, although attributed as [2Fe-2S] cluster chaperones or trafficking proteins, were not essential in vivo for delivering [2Fe-2S] clusters to either CIA components or target apoproteins. Finally, the most critical GSH requirement was assigned to Atm1-dependent export, i.e. a step before GSH-dependent cGrxs function. Our findings extend the general model of eukaryotic Fe/S protein biogenesis by adding the molecular requirements for cytosolic [2Fe-2S] protein maturation.
In this study, we investigated the diverse range of materials used for sizing in Iranian paper manuscripts during the Timurid (fifteenth century) to Safavid (sixteenth century) and Qajar (nineteenth century) periods. Our approach combined historical analysis with scientific examination of reconstructed sizings. We reconstructed 15 sizing materials based on identified Persian historical recipes and analysed their physical, optical, and spectral characteristics. Additionally, we assessed their behaviour against the mould fungus Aspergillus flavus. The results revealed distinctive properties for each sizing material, shedding light on their potential applications in paper preservation. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrated variations in hygroscopicity, thickness, grammage, and ash content post-sizing. The sizing materials also exhibited different effects on paper reflectance properties. Additionally, our study revealed insights into the impact of sizing on burnished papers, indicating that the mechanical process of burnishing did not significantly alter the chemical composition or spectral properties of the paper, with only minor changes in brightness observed in specific cases. All tested sizing materials supported varying levels of mould growth, indicating potential implications for paper conservation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the historical practices of Iranian paper sizing and offer practical considerations for the preservation of paper manuscripts.
Understanding Stimulation of Conjugal Gene Transfer by Nonantibiotic Compounds: How Far Are We?
(2024)
A myriad of nonantibiotic compounds is released into the environment, some of which may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance by stimulating conjugation. Here, we analyzed a collection of studies to (i) identify patterns of transfer stimulation across groups and concentrations of chemicals, (ii) evaluate the strength of evidence for the proposed mechanisms behind conjugal stimulation, and (iii) examine the plausibility of alternative mechanisms. We show that stimulatory nonantibiotic compounds act at concentrations from 1/1000 to 1/10 of the minimal inhibitory concentration for the donor strain but that stimulation is always modest (less than 8-fold). The main proposed mechanisms for stimulation via the reactive oxygen species/SOS cascade and/or an increase in cell membrane permeability are not unequivocally supported by the literature. However, we identify the reactive oxygen species/SOS cascade as the most likely mechanism. This remains to be confirmed by firm molecular evidence. Such evidence and more standardized and high-throughput conjugation assays are needed to create technologies and solutions to limit the stimulation of conjugal gene transfer and contribute to mitigating global antibiotic resistance.
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), a widespread phenomenon in nature, is gaining attention as a low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in geotechnical engineering and the construction industry for sustainable development. In the Philippines, however, very few works have been conducted to isolate and identify indigenous, urease-producing (ureolytic) bacteria suitable for MICP. In this study, we isolated seven, ureolytic and potentially useful bacteria for MICP from marine sediments in Iligan City. DNA barcoding using 16s rDNA identified six of them as Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus aryabhattai, and Stutzerimonas stutzeri but the seventh was not identified since it was a bacterial consortium. Bio-cementation assay experiments showed negligible precipitation in the control (without bacteria) at pH 7, 8, and 9. However, precipitates were formed in all seven bacterial isolates, especially between pH 7 and 8 (0.7–4 g). Among the six identified bacterial species, more extensive precipitation (2.3–4 g) and higher final pH were observed in S. stutzeri, and B. aryabhattai, which indicate better urease production and decomposition, higher CO2 generation, and more favorable CaCO3 formation. Characterization of the precipitates by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) confirmed the formation of three carbonate minerals: calcite, aragonite, and vaterite. Based on these results, all six identified indigenous, ureolytic bacterial species from Iligan City are suitable for MICP provided that the pH is controlled between 7 and 8. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the urease-producing ability and potential for MICP of P. stutzeri, P. pseudoalcaligenes, S. stutzeri, and B. aryabhattai.
The use of ashes from municipal solid waste incineration as secondary building materials is an important pillar for the circular economy in Germany. However, leaching of potential toxic elements from these materials must be at environmentally acceptable levels. Normally, a three-month ageing period immobilizes most hazardous heavy metals, but antimony (Sb) and vanadium (V) showed previously unusual leaching. In order to clarify the mechanisms, we analyzed the Sb and V species in various bottom and fly ashes from municipal waste incineration by XANES spectroscopy. Antimony oxidizes from Sb(+ III) species used as flame retardants in plastics to Sb(+ V) compounds during waste incineration. However, owing to the similarity of different Sb(+ V) compound in the Sb K- and L-edge XANES spectra, it was not possible to accurately identify an exact Sb(+ V) species. Moreover, V is mainly present as oxidation state + V compound in the analyzed ashes. However, the coarse and magnetic fraction of the bottom ashes contain larger amounts of V(+ III) and V(+ IV) compounds which might enter the waste incineration from vanadium carbide containing steel tools. Thus, Sb and V could be critical potential toxic elements in secondary building materials and long-term monitoring of the release should be taken into account in the future.
Investigation on the Durability of a Polypropylene Geotextile under Artificial Aging Scenarios
(2024)
Geosynthetics are widely used in various civil engineering applications, such as geotextiles in coastal protection, and display a sustainable alternative to natural mineral materials. However, the full benefits of using geosynthetics can only be gained with a long service lifetime of the products. With the use of added stabilizers to the polymers, service lifetimes can be achieved in the range of 100 years. Therefore, accelerated aging methods are needed for the assessment of the long-term performance of geotextiles. In the present study, the behavior of geosynthetic materials made of polypropylene was investigated under artificial aging conditions involving elevated temperatures ranging from 30 to 80 °C, increased oxygen pressures ranging from 10 to 50 bar in water-filled autoclaves, and UV irradiation under atmospheric conditions. ATR-IR spectroscopy was employed to detect the increase in the carbonyl index over various aging durations, indicating the oxidative degradation of the geotextile. The most pronounced increase was observed in the case of aging through UV irradiation, followed by thermal aging. Elevated pressure, on the other hand, had a lower impact on oxidation. High-temperature size exclusion chromatography was utilized to follow the reduction in molar mass under different degradation conditions, and the results were consistent with those obtained from ATR-IR spectroscopy. In polyolefins such as polypropylene, Hindered Amine Stabilizers (HAS) are used to suppress oxidation caused by UV radiation. The quantitative analysis of HAS was carried out using a UV/Vis method and HPLC. The degradation of UV stabilizers during the aging of geotextiles is responsible for the oxidation and the reduction in the molar mass of polypropylene. From the results, it can be concluded that applications of PP geotextile without soil or sand cover might cause the risk of the formation of microplastic particles. Material selection, design, and maintenance of the construction must follow best practices, including the system’s removal or replacement at end-of-life. Otherwise, a sustainable use of geotextiles in civil engineering is not possible.
The present work demonstrates a sustainable approach of using relatively coarser iron ore particles for ironmaking. The motivation is to reduce the energy consumption in the milling of the iron ore by utilizing coarser iron ore particles (+0.05 mm) and to select a suitable binder for improving pellet properties. Iron ore fines in the range of 0.05–0.25 mm was selected and classified into three size ranges. Fluxed iron ore pellets were prepared using lime as a binder for the basicity of 0, 1, and 2. Reduction of these pellets with a packed bed of coal fines was performed in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C for a duration of 30–120 min. The direct reduction kinetics of the iron ore pellets were studied by employing diffusion and chemical reaction control models to the experimental data. The results show that pellets made with coarser iron ore particles have improved reduction behavior and kinetics. The reduction reaction is found to be a mixed control. The activation energy for the reduction reaction varies from 44.3 to 74.76 kJ mol−1 as iron ore particle size decreases from 0.25 to 0.05 mm and basicity increases from 0 to 2.
The BAM Data Store
(2023)
As a partner in several NFDI consortia, the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM, German federal institute for materials science and testing) contributes to research data standardization efforts in various domains of materials science and engineering (MSE). To implement a central research data management (RDM) infrastructure that meets the requirements of MSE groups at BAM, we initiated the Data Store pilot project in 2021. The resulting infrastructure should enable researchers to digitally document research processes and store related data in a standardized and interoperable manner. As a software solution, we chose openBIS, an open-source framework that is increasingly being used for RDM in MSE communities.
The pilot project was conducted for one year with five research groups across different organizational units and MSE disciplines. The main results are presented for the use case “nanoPlattform”. The group registered experimental steps and linked associated instruments and chemicals in the Data Store to ensure full traceability of data related to the synthesis of ~400 nanomaterials. The system also supported researchers in implementing RDM practices in their workflows, e.g., by automating data import and documentation and by integrating infrastructure for data analysis.
Based on the promising results of the pilot phase, we will roll out the Data Store as the central RDM infrastructure of BAM starting in 2023. We further aim to develop openBIS plugins, metadata standards, and RDM workflows to contribute to the openBIS community and to foster RDM in MSE.
The emission of ultrafine particles from small desktop Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers has been frequently investigated in the past years. However, the vast majority of FFF emission and exposure studies have not considered the possible occurrence of particles below the typical detection limit of Condensation Particle Counters and could have systematically underestimated the total particle emission as well as the related exposure risks. Therefore, we comparatively measured particle number concentrations and size distributions of sub-4 nm particles with two commercially available diethylene glycol-based instruments – the TSI 3757 Nano Enhancer and the Airmodus A10 Particle Size Magnifier. Both instruments were evaluated for their suitability of measuring FFF-3D printing emissions in the sub-4 nm size range while operated as a particle counter or as a particle size spectrometer. For particle counting, both instruments match best when the Airmodus system was adjusted to a cut-off of 1.5 nm. For size spectroscopy, both instruments show limitations due to either the fast dynamics or rather low levels of particle emissions from FFF-3D printing in this range. The effects are discussed in detail in this article. The findings could be used to implement sub-4 nm particle measurement in future emission or exposure studies, but also for the development of standard test protocols for FFF-3D printing emissions.
Maintaining and modulating mechanical anisotropy is essential for biological processes. However, how this is achieved at the microscopic scale in living soft matter is not always clear. Although Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectroscopy can probe the mechanical properties of materials, spatiotemporal mapping of mechanical anisotropies in living matter with BLS microscopy has been complicated by the need for sequential measurements with tilted excitation and detection angles. Here we introduce Brillouin light scattering anisotropy microscopy (BLAM) for mapping high-frequency viscoelastic anisotropy inside living cells. BLAM employs a radial virtually imaged phased array that enables the collection of angle-resolved dispersion in a single shot, thus enabling us to probe phonon modes in living matter along different directions simultaneously. We demonstrate a precision of 10 MHz in the determination of the Brillouin frequency shift, at a spatial resolution of 2 µm. Following proof-of-principle experiments on muscle myofibres, we apply BLAM to the study of two fundamental biological processes. In plant cell walls, we observe a switch from anisotropic to isotropic wall properties that may lead to asymmetric growth. In mammalian cell nuclei, we uncover a spatiotemporally oscillating elastic anisotropy correlated to chromatin condensation. Our results highlight the role that high-frequency mechanics can play in the regulation of diverse fundamental processes in biological systems. We expect BLAM to find diverse applications in biomedical imaging and material characterization.