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Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy

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
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...

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Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes

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Published on: December 24, 2014

Cell mechanics can be robustly derived from AFM indentation data using the brush model: error analysis.

N Makarova¹, I Sokolov^1,2,3

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.

|March 7, 2022

Summary

The brush model accurately interprets AFM indentation data for biological cells, providing robust mechanical property measurements. This model is reliable even with experimental uncertainties, offering a 4% error margin for effective Young

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Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: June 27, 2013

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Mechanics
Biomaterials Science

Background:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation is crucial for measuring cell mechanical properties.
Traditional Hertz model limitations in interpreting biological cell data.
The pericellular layer (glycocalyx, microvilli) complicates mechanical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the robustness and reliability of the brush model for AFM indentation data analysis.
To evaluate the brush model's ability to decouple cell body and pericellular layer mechanics.
To quantify the impact of model and experimental uncertainties on obtained mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

Application of the brush model to AFM force curves from diverse cell types (epithelial cells, neurons, melanocytes).
Analysis of model parameter sensitivity to uncertainties in input data and model assumptions.
Comparison of brush model-derived Young's modulus with Hertz model and experimental error sources.

Main Results:

The brush model demonstrates robustness, with uncertainties leading to <4% error in effective Young's modulus.
This error is smaller than typical uncertainties from AFM cantilever spring constant calibration.
Weak dependence of results on model uncertainties and experimental data variations observed.

Conclusions:

The brush model is a robust and reliable tool for interpreting AFM indentation data on biological cells.
It effectively accounts for pericellular layer deformation, improving mechanical property assessment.
The model's accuracy is sufficient for biological cell mechanics studies despite inherent complexities.