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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy
Published on: July 10, 2019
Atomic force microscope as a nano- and micrometer scale biological manipulator: A short review
Atsushi Ikai1, Rehana Afrin1, Masakazu Saito1
1Innovation Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
The amazing capacity of atomic force microscope to let us touch the molecular and cellular level samples with a sharp probe stimulated its application to bio-medical field among others. In addition to topographical imaging of the sample surface, a direct mechanical manipulation has attracted innovative minds to develop new methodologies aiming at direct handling of proteins, DNA/RNA, and cells. Measurement of their mechanical properties brought about a vivid picture of their physical nature. Direct handling of individual molecules and cells prompted development of nano-medical applications. This short review summarized recent application of AFM for measurement of mechanical properties of biological samples and attempts to perform direct manipulations of nano-medicine.
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