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Force and compliance measurements on living cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM)

External protocol Created on 10 Apr 2014

Authors

Ewa P. Wojcikiewicz, Xiaohui Zhang, Vincent T. Moy

Summary

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.

Further details

The protocol was imported from Springer Protocols. To see the entire protocol, click on the source link, or download the pdf here.

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