Atomic force microscopy as analytical tool to study physico-mechanical properties of intestinal cells

Atomic force microscopy as analytical tool to study physico-mechanical properties of intestinal cells

The small intestine is a complex system that carries out various functions. The main function of enterocytes is absorption of nutrients, whereas membranous cells (M cells) are responsible for delivering antigens/foreign substances to the mucosal lymphoid tissues. However, to get a fundamental understanding of how cellular structures contribute to physiological processes, precise knowledge about...

Study of the mechanical properties of single cells as biocomposites by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a unique method to study a single cell surface layer as a biocomposite. This chapter focuses on the advantages of two AFM modes, namely force spectroscopy (providing the information about local elastic properties of cells) and lateral force microscopy (LFM, revealing mechanical heterogeneity of cells surface), to make quantitative analysis of single cells mechan...

Brown algal morphogenesis: atomic force microscopy as a tool to study the role of mechanical forces

Over the last few years, a growing interest has been directed toward the use of macroalgae as a source of energy, food and molecules for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Besides this, macroalgal development remains poorly understood compared to other multicellular organisms. Brown algae (Phaeophyceae) form a monophyletic lineage of usually large multicellular algae which evolved inde...

Mechanical properties of cancer cells depend on number of passages: Atomic force microscopy indentation study

Atomic Force Microscopy as a Tool Applied to Nano/Biosensors

This review article discusses and documents the basic concepts and principles of nano/biosensors. More specifically, we comment on the use of Chemical Force Microscopy (CFM) to study various aspects of architectural and chemical design details of specific molecules and polymers and its influence on the control of chemical interactions between the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) tip and the sample...