Contact probing of prestressed adhesive membranes of living cells

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of living biological cells is one main experimental tools that enable quantitative measurements deformation the and extraction information about their structural mechanical properties. However, proper modelling AFM probing related adhesive contact problems are crucial importance for interpretation data. The Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory has often been used as a basis various phenomena including cell-cell interactions. strictly speaking original JKR valid only isotropic linearly elastic spheres, while cell membranes prestressed. For first time, effects caused by molecular adhesion analytically studied taking into account properties whose stiffness depends on level tensile prestress. Another important question how can extract work between probe cell. An extended version Borodich-Galanov method non-direct contacted materials proposed to apply experiments probing. Evidently, models with prestressed do not cover all types because structure may vary considerably. obtained results be applied many smooth describe initial stages other processes when importance. This article part discussion meeting issue ‘A cracking approach inventing new tough materials: fracture stranger than friction’.