[Physical Properties of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells using Atomic Force Microscopy]

Malignant and benign cells differ according to their elasticity. An atomic force microscope is a useful tool for measuring these mechanical cell properties. If cells of different dignity show different resonance behavior, due to their different elasticity, a selective ablation of specific tissue types by ultrasound would be possible. The goal is a highly selective ablation of tumor tissue without damaging healthy tissue.

We performed elasticity measurements of tumor cells (UD-01 cell line) with an atomic force microscope. In a further step, an ultrasound applicator has been positioned and the morphological changes of the cells during the treatment were documented.

Different elasticities on the squamous cells were measured, depending on the location. Below a defined maximum amplitude the morphological cell changes were caused solely by ultrasonic excitation.

The atomic force microscope is suitable for the determination of the individual cell elasticity. The data collected could be the basis for treatment modalities that lead to a very selective damage for malignant cells.