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AFM characterization of chemically treated corneal cells
Teiko Shibata-Seki1, Kazuki Tajima, Hiroki Takahashi
1Department of Environmental Chemistry and Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, G1-13 4259 Nagatusta Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8502, Kanagawa, Japan.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizes living cells without fixation, revealing natural shapes unlike SEM. Glutaraldehyde fixation stiffens corneal endothelial tissue, with longer fixation causing structural changes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers label-free imaging of biological samples.
- Cell fixation methods can alter native cellular properties.
- Understanding chemical treatment effects on cell mechanics is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize chemically treated corneal cells using AFM.
- To compare AFM imaging of living vs. fixed cells.
- To investigate the impact of glutaraldehyde fixation duration on cell elasticity and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to image corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
- Cells were examined both without fixation and after varying durations of glutaraldehyde (GA) fixation.
- AFM data was analyzed for topographical and mechanical property changes.
Main Results:
- AFM successfully captured the natural 3D topography of unfixed corneal cells.
- GA fixation increased the stiffness of corneal endothelial tissue.
- Longer GA fixation durations led to increased sample structural variation.
Conclusions:
- AFM provides detailed topographical and mechanical insights into living and fixed cells.
- Glutaraldehyde fixation significantly alters cell mechanical properties, particularly stiffness.
- This AFM approach aids in understanding chemical treatment effects on cellular structures.
