Force and Compliance Measurements on Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
<p>We describe the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in studies of cell adhesion and cell compliance. Our studies use the interaction between leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a model system. The forces required to unbind a single...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2004-01-01
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| Series: | Biological Procedures Online |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.biologicalprocedures.com/bpo/arts/1/67/m67.htm |
| Summary: | <p>We describe the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in studies of cell adhesion and cell compliance. Our studies use the interaction between leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a model system. The forces required to unbind a single LFA-1/ICAM-1 bond were measured at different loading rates. This data was used to determine the dynamic strength of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex and characterize the activation potential that this complex overcomes during its breakage. Force measurements acquired at the multiple- bond level provided insight about the mechanism of cell adhesion. In addition, the AFM was used as a microindenter to determine the mechanical properties of cells. The applications of these methods are described using data from a previous study. |
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| ISSN: | 1480-9222 |