Atomic force microscopy in histology and cytology

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) provides high-resolution 3D surface topography by scanning with a probe.
• AFM operates by monitoring interaction forces between the probe and sample surface.
• AFM is advantageous for biological samples as it visualizes non-conductive materials in air or liquid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the principles of AFM.
• To present results of AFM application to biological samples.
• To highlight AFM's potential in histology and cytology.

Main Methods:

• AFM imaging of plasmid DNA, human metaphase chromosomes, mouse collagen fibrils, and living cultured cells.
• Utilized non-contact mode for chromosome and collagen imaging in air.
• Employed contact mode in liquid for observing living cell movement.

Main Results:

• AFM images of plasmid DNA comparable to transmission electron microscopy, without staining or coating.
• Surface structures of chromosomes and collagen fibrils visualized with AFM in air, comparable to scanning electron microscopy.
• High-resolution 3D observation of living cultured cell movement achieved in liquid.

Conclusions:

• AFM provides high-resolution 3D imaging of biological samples in various environments.
• AFM offers advantages over traditional microscopy for certain biological applications.
• AFM has significant potential for advancing histology and cytology research.