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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy01:08

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.
The AFM Probe
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Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

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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...
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In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy
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Single cell active force generation under dynamic loading - Part I: AFM experiments.

P P Weafer1, N H Reynolds2, S P Jarvis3

  • 1College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Nanoscale Function Group, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Ireland.

Acta Biomaterialia
|September 12, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The actin cytoskeleton

Keywords:
AFMActin cytoskeletonActive force generationDynamic loadingSingle cell

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular biomechanics
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeletal dynamics

Background:

  • The mechanical response of single cells to dynamic loading is crucial for understanding cellular functions.
  • The role of the actin cytoskeleton in cellular mechanical properties under dynamic conditions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the response of single cells to dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies.
  • To elucidate the contribution of the actin cytoskeleton to cellular mechanical behavior under dynamic stress.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a bespoke atomic force microscopy (AFM) system for single-cell experiments.
  • Applied dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies to measure cellular forces.
  • Compared the mechanical responses of untreated cells with cytochalasin-D (cyto-D) treated cells to assess the role of the actin cytoskeleton.

Main Results:

  • Contractile actin cytoskeleton significantly influences cellular response to dynamic loading.
  • Untreated cells showed robust force recovery (88.9%) and significant pulling forces during unloading, unlike cyto-D treated cells (38.0% recovery, negligible pulling forces).
  • Active contractile forces, independent of strain magnitude, dominate cellular response, with passive forces being secondary.

Conclusions:

  • The actin cytoskeleton is critical for cellular resistance to dynamic compression and stretching.
  • Cellular active force generation is insensitive to applied strain magnitude, highlighting the dominance of the cytoskeleton.
  • These findings offer critical biomechanical insights for tissue engineering and understanding cell mechanotransduction.