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FluidFM for single-cell biophysics

Nano Research volume 15, pages 773–786 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM), which combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with microchanneled cantilevers connected to a pressure controller, is a technique allowing the realization of force-sensitive nanopipette under aqueous conditions. FluidFM has unique advantages in simultaneous three-dimensional manipulations and mechanical measurements of biological specimens at the micro-/nanoscale. Over the past decade, FluidFM has shown its potential in biophysical assays particularly in the investigations at single-cell level, offering novel possibilities for discovering the underlying mechanisms guiding life activities. Here, we review the utilization of FluidFM to address biomechanical and biophysical issues in the life sciences. Firstly, the fundamentals of FluidFM are represented. Subsequently, the applications of FluidFM for biophysics at single-cell level are surveyed from several facets, including single-cell manipulations, single-cell force spectroscopy, and single-cell electrophysiology. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for future progressions are provided.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) (No. 202004910157). M. Li is thankful for the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61922081 and 61873258), the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences CAS (No. ZDBS-LY-JSC043), the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (No. 2017243), and the LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Program (No. XLYC1907072).

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Open Access funding provided by Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland

    Mi Li & Tomaso Zambelli

  2. State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China

    Mi Li & Lianqing Liu

  3. Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110169, China

    Mi Li & Lianqing Liu

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  1. Mi Li
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  2. Lianqing Liu
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  3. Tomaso Zambelli
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Correspondence to Mi Li.

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Li, M., Liu, L. & Zambelli, T. FluidFM for single-cell biophysics. Nano Res. 15, 773–786 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-021-3573-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-021-3573-y

Keywords

  • atomic force microscopy
  • fluidic force microscopy
  • single-cell manipulation
  • single-cell force spectroscopy
  • single-cell electrophysiology