Cells nanomechanics by atomic force microscopy: focus on interactions at nanoscale

Advances in Physics: X

Bokai Zhang¹  Guanlin Tang²  Xue-Feng Yu³  Massimiliano Galluzzi³  Guoqiao Zhou³ 

[1] BenHealth Biopharmaceutical Co., LTD, Shenzhen P. R. Chin;DongJin BigHealth Co., LTD, Shenzhen P. R. Chin;Department of Computer Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, US;Materials Interfaces Center, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen P. R. Chin;

关键词: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM);    Living Cells;    Nanomechanics;    Nanoscale Interactions;    Finite Element Modeling;   

DOI  :  10.1080/23746149.2020.1866668

来源: Taylor & Francis

【 摘 要 】

Nanomechanics of cytoskeleton is deeply involved in physiology and regulation of cell behavior. Atomic Force Microscopy has been extensively used for quantitative characterization with high-spatial resolution, in particular showing tremendous opportunities in biomechanics by quantifying mechanical parameters related to cytoskeleton organization. In this short review, we highlight recent developments in cell nanomechanics by AFM focusing on methodology and direct application to investigate cytoskeleton restructuration when cells are interacting with nanostructures (surfaces and nanoparticles). In particular, cells can sense the stiffness of environment or internalized particles and AFM can detect the rearrangement of cytoskeleton as one of the responses of mechanotransduction stimuli. Current bottlenecks hindering further progress in technology, such as theoretical models of interpretation will be discussed, in particular we propose a solution for complex system by coupling AFM with finite element simulations to retrieve more quantitative information when heterogeneity and convolution play important roles. Finally, we present recent cutting-edge research directions to explore new techniques and enhance the capabilities of AFM nanomechanics for living cells.

【 授权许可】

CC BY