Measuring the elastic properties of living cells with atomic force microscopy indentation

Joanna L Mackay; Sanjay Kumar

doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-056-4_15

Measuring the elastic properties of living cells with atomic force microscopy indentation

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:931:313-29. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-056-4_15.

Authors

Joanna L Mackay¹, Sanjay Kumar

Affiliation

¹ Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.

PMID: 23027009
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-056-4_15

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful and versatile tool for probing the mechanical properties of biological samples. This chapter describes the procedures for using AFM indentation to measure the elastic moduli of living cells. We include step-by-step instructions for cantilever calibration and data acquisition using a combined AFM/optical microscope system, as well as a detailed protocol for data analysis. Our protocol is written specifically for the BioScope™ Catalyst™ AFM system (Bruker AXS Inc.); however, most of the general concepts can be readily translated to other commercial systems.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Calibration
Cell Culture Techniques
Cell Physiological Phenomena
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Elastic Modulus*
Microscopy, Atomic Force / instrumentation
Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
Single-Cell Analysis
Software

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding