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Measuring the Elastic Properties of Living Cells with Atomic Force Microscopy Indentation

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Cell Imaging Techniques

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 931))

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.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by grants to S.K. from the NSF (CMMI 0727420) and the NIH (1DP2OD004213, Director’s New Innovator Award, part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research; 1U54CA143836, Physical Sciences Oncology Center Grant). J.L.M. was supported in part by a Graduate Research Supplement (GRS) to Broaden Participation, in association with NSF CMMI 0727420.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

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

    Joanna L. MacKay

  2. Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Sanjay Kumar

Authors
  1. Joanna L. MacKay
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  2. Sanjay Kumar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sanjay Kumar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine, Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Vermont, Beaumont Ave 89, Burlington, 05405-1742, Vermont, USA

    Douglas J. Taatjes

  2. , Abt. Zell- und Molekularpathologie, Universität Zürich, Schmelzbergstr. 12, Zürich, 8091, Switzerland

    Jürgen Roth

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MacKay, J.L., Kumar, S. (2012). Measuring the Elastic Properties of Living Cells with Atomic Force Microscopy Indentation. In: Taatjes, D., Roth, J. (eds) Cell Imaging Techniques. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 931. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-056-4_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-056-4_15

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-055-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-056-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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