Applying the Atomic Force Microscopy Technique in Medical Sciences-A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Advancements in medical technology enable real-time cellular and molecular imaging.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides high-resolution 3D visualization of biological structures.
• AFM allows for the study of cellular mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significant applications of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in medicine.
• To highlight AFM's role in cellular and molecular analysis.
• To showcase AFM's utility in disease research and diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Live imaging of cellular and molecular structures using AFM.
• Three-dimensional surface visualization in X-, Y-, and Z-planes.
• Measurement of mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties of cells and organelles.
• Analysis of interaction forces between biomolecules.

Main Results:

• AFM differentiates between healthy and cancerous cells and stages of cancer.
• AFM is crucial for studying peptide amyloid plaque deposition in neurodegenerative diseases.
• AFM is increasingly used to evaluate connective tissue cell mechanics.

Conclusions:

• AFM is a versatile tool with broad applications in medical research.
• The technique offers unique insights into cellular function and disease mechanisms.
• AFM contributes significantly to diagnostics and understanding complex biological processes.