The nanomorphology of cell surfaces of adhered osteoblasts

The functionality of living cells is inherently linked to subunits with dimensions ranging from several micrometers down the nanometer scale. cell surface plays a particularly important role. Electric signaling, including information processing, takes place at membrane, as well adhesion and contact. For osteoblasts, spreading are crucial processes regard bone implants. Here we present comprehensive characterization 3D nanomorphology living, fixed, osteoblastic using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), which nanoprobing method that largely avoids mechanical perturbations. Dynamic ruffles observed, manifesting themselves in characteristic membrane protrusions. They contribute overall corrugation, systematically study by introducing relative excess area function projected area. A clear anticorrelation between two parameters found upon analysis ca. 40 different on glass amine-covered surfaces. At rim lamellipodia, edge heights 100 300 nm observed. Power spectral densities fluctuations show frequency-dependent decay exponents absolute values greater than 2 osteoblasts. We discuss capability apical features fluctuation dynamics aiding assessment migration properties single-cell basis.