A beginner's guide to atomic force microscopy probing for cell mechanics

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is increasingly vital in cell biology and biomedical research.
• Bio-AFMs integrate advanced optical microscopy for live-cell imaging and mechanical property analysis.
• AFM uniquely provides nanometer-resolution maps of cell topography, stiffness, viscoelasticity, and adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To guide researchers new to bio-AFMs in experimental design.
• To explain data analysis for cell mechanics measurements.
• To review contact mechanics models for biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing bio-AFM for live-cell imaging and mechanical property assessment.
• Integrating AFM with epifluorescence and advanced optical microscopy.
• Applying contact mechanics models to analyze cellular and biological sample features.

Main Results:

• AFM generates high-resolution topographical and mechanical maps of cells.
• Bio-AFMs facilitate simultaneous optical and mechanical property measurements.
• Various contact mechanics models are available for detailed sample characterization.

Conclusions:

• Bio-AFMs are powerful tools for studying cell mechanical properties.
• This review serves as a practical guide for bio-AFM experimental design and data analysis.
• Understanding contact mechanics models is crucial for interpreting AFM data in biological contexts.