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Imaging cells with the atomic force microscope
H J Butt1, E K Wolff, S A Gould
1Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106.
Journal of Structural Biology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals detailed cell surface structures. This technique provides high-resolution imaging of various cells, including bacteria and blood cells, even under physiological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Microscopy
- Biophysics
Background:
- Traditional microscopy methods face limitations in resolving nanoscale surface features of biological specimens.
- Imaging cells under physiological conditions is crucial for understanding their natural behavior and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the capability of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for high-resolution imaging of diverse cell types.
- To showcase AFM's utility in visualizing cellular morphology under various environmental conditions, including physiological states.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to image various biological samples.
- Samples included the archaebacterium Halobacterium halobium, a stoma from Lagerstroemia subcostata, a water lily leaf, and fixed red and white blood cells.
Main Results:
- High-resolution images of Halobacterium halobium in a dry state were obtained.
- Surface topography of a plant stoma and the underside of a water lily leaf (down to 12 nm) were visualized.
- Detailed imaging of red and white blood cells (down to 8 nm) was achieved in a buffer solution.
Conclusions:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool for high-resolution surface imaging of cells.
- AFM enables the visualization of cellular structures under physiologically relevant conditions, offering insights into cell morphology and surface characteristics.