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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy01:08

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
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes01:29

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy
08:41

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: June 27, 2013

Normal and pathological erythrocytes studied by atomic force microscopy.

Andreas Ebner1, Hermann Schillers, Peter Hinterdorfer

  • 1Institute for Biophysics, University of Linz, Linz, Austria.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 11, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals structural changes in red blood cells (RBCs) affected by diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cystic fibrosis. This technique allows detailed study of RBCs under near-physiological conditions.

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy
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Published on: June 27, 2013

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBCs) are vital for oxygen transport, and their structural integrity is crucial for health.
  • Various diseases and dysfunctions significantly impact RBC structure and function, necessitating advanced diagnostic tools.
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offers high-resolution imaging capabilities for biological samples under near-physiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the application of diverse AFM techniques for investigating and comparing normal and pathological erythrocytes.
  • To detail methods for non-destructive immobilization of intact RBCs and preparation of native RBC membranes.
  • To highlight AFM's utility in identifying morphological and substructural alterations in diseased RBCs.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for high-resolution imaging of erythrocytes.
  • Developing and applying non-destructive immobilization techniques for whole, intact RBCs.
  • Implementing preparation methods for isolated native RBC membranes.
  • Employing simultaneous topography and recognition imaging to map molecular distribution.

Main Results:

  • High-resolution AFM imaging revealed distinct morphological differences between healthy and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) erythrocytes, indicating substructural changes.
  • AFM successfully mapped the distribution of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) sites on erythrocyte membranes of healthy and cystic fibrosis-positive individuals.
  • Demonstrated the capability of AFM to differentiate between normal and pathological RBCs based on physical and structural properties.

Conclusions:

  • AFM is a powerful tool for the detailed investigation of red blood cell structure and function, even under near-physiological conditions.
  • AFM can identify subtle substructural changes in erythrocytes associated with diseases like SLE and cystic fibrosis.
  • The presented AFM techniques provide valuable insights for the diagnosis and understanding of RBC-related pathologies.