Studying the Mechanics of Cellular Processes by Atomic Force Microscopy

摘要: The mechanical properties of cells are important for many cellular processes like cell migration, protrusion, division, and morphology. Depending on type, the determined mainly by wall or interior cytoskeleton. In eukaryotic cells, stiffness is cytoskeleton, which made several polymeric networks, including actin, microtubuli, intermediate filaments. To study living at a subcellular resolution outmost importance to understanding mentioned above. One option use atomic force microscopy (AFM) measure cell's elastic locally. By obtaining curves, that measuring cantilever deflection while tip brought in contact retracted cyclically, effectively loading indentation relation measured. Young's modulus can be calculated applying simple models, Hertz model spherical parabolic indenters Sneddon's modification pyramidal indenters.