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Atomic Force Microscopy in Biomedical Research pp 303–329Cite as

Atomic Force Microscopy in Mechanobiology: Measuring Microelastic Heterogeneity of Living Cells

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 736))

Abstract

Recent findings clearly demonstrate that cells feel mechanical forces, and respond by altering their ­phenotype and modulating their mechanical environment. Atomic force microscope (AFM) indentation can be used to mechanically stimulate cells and quantitatively characterize their elastic properties, providing critical information for understanding their mechanobiological behavior. This review focuses on the experimental and computational aspects of AFM indentation in relation to cell biomechanics and pathophysiology. Key aspects of the indentation protocol (including preparation of substrates, selection of indentation parameters, methods for contact point detection, and further post-processing of data) are covered. Historical perspectives on AFM as a mechanical testing tool as well as studies of cell mechanics and physiology are also highlighted.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge a NSF CAREER Award (KDC; BES-0239138) and a fellowship from the Stony Wold-Herbert Fund (EUA) for funding.

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  1. Cardiovascular Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Kevin D. Costa

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  1. Evren U. Azeloglu
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Correspondence to Kevin D. Costa .

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    Pier Carlo Braga

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    Davide Ricci

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Azeloglu, E.U., Costa, K.D. (2011). Atomic Force Microscopy in Mechanobiology: Measuring Microelastic Heterogeneity of Living Cells. In: Braga, P., Ricci, D. (eds) Atomic Force Microscopy in Biomedical Research. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 736. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-105-5_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-105-5_19

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