Live-cell imaging at low interaction forces

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Live cell imaging using atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a formidable experimental challenge. The procedure requires that the target cells be maintained under thermostated physiological fluids in order to ensure their viability is retained. Furthermore, once the imaging probe has engaged with the target, the use of appropriate imaging forces that guarantee reasonably high spatial resolution must be weighed against the need to maintain a 'light touch' so that the integrity of this most delicate structure is not compromised. The purpose of the present study was to image live cells (PtK2 epithelial cells) in.vitro and to examine those force regimes and tip properties that lead to best imaging. Interestingly, by employing ultra low imaging forces (FL < l00pN) whilst operating in contact mode, as opposed to 'tapping' mode, it was possible to achieve spatial resolutions in the range of about 25nm, which was sufficient to resolve the constituent fibres of the cytoskeletal network and other subcellular detail. Empircally, certain tips were found to generate better resolution images than others, and we characterized those tips by imaging a commercial ion-beam etched spike array to determine not only the radius of curvature at the active imaging tip, but also the general morphology of the apex region. Force distance curves could be obtained which allowed a Hertzian analysis of the cellular elasticity. In this instance a value for the Young's modulus, Ec, was determined to be 75kPa. Time-lapse imaging in this low force regime allowed the non-intmsive observation of cytoskeletal reorganisation during motility over extended periods of up to 7 hours.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-12
Number of pages6
JournalMRS Online Proceedings Library
Volume1061
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2008
EventBiomolecular and Biologically Inspired Interfaces and Assemblies - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: 26 Nov 200730 Nov 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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