Measuring of Adhesion Force in the Cell-Cell System Based on Atomic Force Microscopy Technology

Current methods for measuring cell-cell adhesion forces lack precision in clinical settings. Prior research has shown that adhesion changes correlate with disease states, but no standardized biosensor has been developed for routine use. This gap motivated the need for a reliable, non-invasive tool. No prior work had resolved how to integrate whole blood cells into a functional biosensor. Existing tools often rely on artificial surfaces or non-native cell interactions. This study introduces a new approach using native human cells and atomic force spectroscopy. The goal is to bridge the gap between biophysical measurements and clinical diagnostics. This method may improve early detection of disease progression in hematological conditions.

The study aimed to develop a biosensor chip using native human lymphocytes and titanium cantilevers. The purpose was to measure adhesion forces between blood cell types in health and disease. Researchers focused on lymphocyte-granulocyte and lymphocyte-erythrocyte interactions. The motivation was to identify adhesion changes as diagnostic markers. The biosensor was tested in healthy individuals and leukemia patients. The study sought to determine if adhesion forces could track disease progression. No prior work had demonstrated such a method in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This approach may provide a new tool for monitoring treatment response.

The biosensor chip was fabricated using native human lymphocytes and titanium cantilevers. Atomic force spectroscopy was employed to measure adhesion forces. The cantilever was modified to interact with target cells without damaging them. The setup allowed for precise force measurements between cell pairs. Healthy subjects and leukemia patients were included in the study. Adhesion forces were measured at three stages: before treatment, during treatment, and during relapse. The method ensured reproducibility across multiple trials. Data were analyzed to compare adhesion forces between groups.

Adhesion forces between lymphocytes and granulocytes increased nearly twofold during relapse. Similar increases were observed between lymphocytes and erythrocytes. The biosensor provided consistent measurements across all stages of the disease. Healthy individuals showed stable adhesion forces over time. No significant changes were found during standard treatment. The titanium cantilever performed reliably without degradation. The method detected subtle adhesion changes not visible in standard blood tests. These findings suggest adhesion force could serve as an early diagnostic marker.

The biosensor chip successfully measured adhesion forces in native cell systems. The method detected significant increases in adhesion during leukemia relapse. These changes may indicate early cytological abnormalities. The titanium cantilever proved effective for long-term measurements. No prior work had demonstrated such a correlation in acute leukemia. The study supports the use of adhesion force as a diagnostic tool. The method may improve monitoring of treatment efficacy. Further validation is needed to confirm clinical utility.