AFM for Cell Biology Research
AFM is a versatile tool for cell biology research. It can provide high resolution imaging of cell structures, even on living, unfixed cells. AFM images may be readily compared with light microscopy images from the same region, allowing data from the two imaging modalities to be correlated. Increasingly, AFM is also being used to probe the mechanical properties of cells and cell substrates, including stiffness, elastic modulus, and viscoelasticity.
Capabilities
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Work with live cells in culture
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Integrate AFM with inverted light microscopes
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Use optical images to guide the location of AFM imaging or force measurements
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Overlay optical images on AFM images or 3D AFM topography
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Image high resolution structure
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Measure stiffness or elastic modulus
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Measure viscoelastic response
Common applications
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Stiffness and viscoelastic changes in cancer cells
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Influence of cell substrates on cell differentiation
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Response of cells to mechanical stimulation
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Cell stiffness changes in response to pharmaceuticals
Application Notes
AFM and Combined Optical Techniques
This application note briefly describes the basics of both optical and atomic force microscopy, followed by a discussion of some of the technical challenges of integrating these two distinct imaging modalities. In certain cases, the benefits and disadvantages of different approaches to design and integration are discussed. Lastly, a few examples of successful application of these combined imaging modalities are presented.
Simultaneous Atomic Force and Fluorescence Microscopy Using the MFP-3D™ AFM
Using these microscopy techniques simultaneously provides the user with high resolution imaging on specific molecules and also opens the door to a wide variety of research experiments. In this application note, we will describe the instrumentation and setup, sample preparation, applications, and give experimental examples of the technique.
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