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An AFM-Based Model-Fitting-Free Viscoelasticity Characterization Method for Accurate Grading of Primary Prostate
IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience
|January 9, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a fast, model-free method to calculate cell viscoelasticity using atomic force microscopy (AFM). This technique accurately differentiates prostate cancer grades, offering a promising tool for label-free cell characterization.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Mechanics
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Cell viscoelasticity is vital for label-free cell characterization.
- Existing methods for measuring viscoelasticity often require complex model fitting and are sensitive to experimental parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a model-fitting-free method for calculating cell viscoelasticity from AFM force-distance curves.
- To assess the method's accuracy and consistency across various experimental conditions and cell types.
- To evaluate the method's efficacy in distinguishing between different grades of prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- A novel method was developed to calculate viscoelastic properties by correcting AFM force-distance curves for frequency, surface adhesion, and liquid resistance effects.
- The method operates rapidly (less than 1ms per curve) without requiring model fitting.
- The technique was applied to quantify the viscosity and elastic modulus of PC-3 cells and primary clinical prostate cells from 38 patients.
Main Results:
- The method demonstrated high self-consistency and minimal dependence on experimental parameters like loading frequency and mode (Force-volume vs. PeakForce Tapping).
- Accurate quantification of viscosity and elastic modulus was achieved for PC-3 cells.
- The method achieved 97.6% accuracy in distinguishing low-risk (BPH, GS6) from higher-risk (GS7-GS10) prostate tumors and 93.3% accuracy in differentiating BPH from prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- The developed model-fitting-free method provides a rapid, reliable, and parameter-independent approach for cell viscoelasticity characterization.
- This technique shows significant potential as a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer grading, comparable to the Gleason Score system.
- The method's high accuracy in distinguishing between benign and malignant prostate tissues highlights its clinical applicability.
