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Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells

Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells

Published on: April 2, 2021

AFM as a tool to probe and manipulate cellular processes.

Charles-Antoine Lamontagne¹, Charles M Cuerrier, Michel Grandbois

¹Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Ave. Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology

|December 18, 2007

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals cellular mechanisms with high sensitivity. This technique allows detailed investigation of cell membrane dynamics, receptor interactions, and cellular homeostasis for physiological studies.

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Area of Science:

Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Nanobiotechnology
Biophysics

Background:

Understanding molecular processes in physiology is crucial.
Nanoscaled techniques offer novel approaches for cellular investigation.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides high-resolution insights into cellular events.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in studying cell physiology.
To demonstrate how AFM can investigate membrane dynamics, receptor signaling, and cellular homeostasis.
To provide examples of AFM experiments for understanding cell movement and morphological regulation.

Main Methods:

Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM) in force measurement mode.
Examining precise regions of the plasma membrane and cellular responses to mechanical and biochemical stimuli.
Performing AFM-based nanomanipulations for introducing or extracting molecules from the cytoplasm.

Main Results:

AFM enables sensitive investigation of individual living cells.
It allows real-time detection of cellular movements and receptor activation with high spatial and temporal resolution.
AFM provides insights into cell surface receptor control and cellular homeostasis.

Conclusions:

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool for exploring cell physiology at the nanoscale.
AFM facilitates a deep understanding of cellular movement, morphological regulation, and homeostasis.
The review highlights practical applications and experimental designs using AFM for physiological research.