Abstract
The study of biological samples is one of the most attractive and innovative fields of application of atomic force microscopy AFM. Recent breakthroughs in software and hardware have revolutionized this field and this paper reports on recent trends and describes examples of applications on biological samples. Originally developed for high-resolution imaging purposes, the AFM also has unique capabilities as a nano-indentor to probe the dynamic visco-elastic material properties of living cells in culture. In particular, AFM elastography combines imaging and indentation modalities to map the spatial distribution of cell mechanical properties, which in turn reflect the structure and function of the underlying structure. This paper describes the progress and development of atomic force microscopy as applied to animal and plant cell structures.
Highlights
The study of biological samples is one of the most attractive and innovative fields of application of atomic force microscopy Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
In this review we present a survey of the progress in the development of atomic force microscopy for imaging of materials with emphasis on both animal and plant structures
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has many valuable modifications oriented toward specific applications and two of these are Ultrasonic Atomic Force Microscopy (U-AFM) and Atomic Force Acoustic Microscopy (AFAM)
Summary
The work of Elkin et al [1] on the synopsis of mechanical heterogeneities of the rat hippocampus measured by atomic force microscopic indentation is an example of how measurements have contributed to our understanding of cell mechanics and cell biology and appear to be sensitive to the presence of disease in individual cells. In addition to the many publications which have accrued on these topics, since the development of the atomic force microscope in 1986 much progress has been reported in the form of publications and patents. Among the most recent was a method based on AFM on biological surfaces and sub-cellular surfaces, irrespective of biochemical characterization [2]. Another patent deals with a modular AFM which provides faster measurements [3]. Another valuable patent describes a method for calibrating an AFM by providing normal and force standards [4]. In this review we present a survey of the progress in the development of atomic force microscopy for imaging of materials with emphasis on both animal and plant structures
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