Protocol for measuring the Young's modulus of organoids using atomic force microscopy
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Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Extracting the Young's Modulus of Native Murine Pulmonary Basement Membranes from Atomic Force Microscopy Derived Force Maps
Published on: January 31, 2025
Tianzhen Zhang1, Lina Ma1, Shen Ling1
1Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
Abstract:
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is extensively applied to measure cell and tissue mechanics but lacks a standardized organoid stiffness assessment. Here, we present a protocol for quantifying the Young's modulus of organoids via AFM, combining force-curve analysis with an optimized probe. We describe steps for preparing organoids, OCT embedding, slicing, AFM detection, and force-curve analysis. By mechanically addressing gaps in organoids, this protocol improves reproducibility and expands the capabilities of biomechanical research.

