Parallel AFM imaging and force spectroscopy using two‐dimensional probe arrays for applications in cell biology

• DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1119
• Publication Date: 2011-04-09T10:18:59Z
• Authors: Mélanie Favre; Jérôme Polesel‐Maris; Thomas Overstolz; Philippe Niedermann; Stephan Dasen; Gabriel Gruener; Réal Ischer; Peter Vettiger; Martha Liley; Harry Heinzelmann; André Meister
• Keywords: Force Spectroscopy; Parallel array

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations of living cells provide new information in both biology and medicine. However, slow cell dynamics the need for statistically significant sample sizes mean that data collection can be an extremely lengthy process. We address this problem by parallelizing AFM experiments using a two‐dimensional cantilever array, instead single cantilever. have developed instrument able to operate perform topographical mechanical air liquid. Deflection readout all cantilevers probe array is performed parallel online interferometry. Probe arrays were microfabricated silicon nitride. Proof‐of‐concept has been demonstrated analyzing topography hard surfaces fixed parallel, performing spectroscopy on cells. These results open research opportunities measuring adhesion elastic properties large number Both are essential parameters metastatic cancer development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.