Nanoscale imaging and characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans epicuticle using atomic force microscopy.

摘要: Here we introduce PeakForce Tapping non-resonance atomic force microscopy for imaging and nanomechanical mapping of Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. The animals were imaged both in air water at nanoscale resolution. Layer-by-layer glass surface modification was employed to secure the worms water. Microtopography head region, annuli, furrows, lateral alae tail region visualized. Analysis features obtained during AFM three larval adult hermaphrodite nematodes natural environment allowed numerical evaluation annuli periodicity, furrows depth roughness. Nanomechanical deformation, Young modulus adhesion confirms that mechanical properties nematode cuticle are non-uniform. Overall, is a robust simple approach applicable three-dimensional characterization C.