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Atomic Force Microscopy

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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.
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Measurement of Liver Stiffness Using Atomic Force Microscopy Coupled with Polarization Microscopy

Measurement of Liver Stiffness Using Atomic Force Microscopy Coupled with Polarization Microscopy

Published on: July 20, 2022

Stiffness tomography by atomic force microscopy.

Charles Roduit¹, Serguei Sekatski, Giovanni Dietler

¹Institut de Physique des Systèmes Biologiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. charles.roduit@a3.epfl.ch

Biophysical Journal

|July 22, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel atomic force microscopy technique for analyzing the mechanical properties of living cells. The method effectively distinguishes structures of varying stiffness within samples, enhancing nanoscale imaging capabilities.

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Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: June 27, 2013

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Background:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a key tool for nanoscale analysis of biological samples.
AFM can function as a nano-indenter to measure mechanical properties like Young's modulus.
Current methods face challenges in differentiating subsurface structures of varying stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a new technique for processing nano-indentation curves obtained from AFM.
To enable the distinction of buried structures with different stiffness within a sample.
To validate the technique using computational models and apply it to living cells.

Main Methods:

Utilizing AFM in nano-indentation mode to collect force-deformation data.
Developing a novel curve-processing method to analyze mechanical heterogeneity.
Employing finite element modeling for theoretical validation.
Applying the technique to image mechanical properties of living cells.

Main Results:

The new technique successfully distinguishes structures of different stiffness within bulk samples.
Finite element models confirmed the working principle of the imaging method.
The technique was successfully applied to living cells, demonstrating its practical utility.

Conclusions:

The developed AFM-based technique offers enhanced capabilities for probing mechanical properties of biological samples.
This method allows for the differentiation of subsurface structures based on stiffness.
The validated technique provides a valuable tool for nanoscale biomechanical investigations.