FluidFM: Combining Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanofluidics in a Universal Liquid Delivery System for Single Cell Applications and Beyond

• DOI: 10.1021/nl901384x
• Publication Date: 2009-05-19T14:46:05Z
• Authors: André Meister; Michael Gabi; Pascal Behr; Philipp Studer; János Vörös; Philippe Niedermann; Joanna Bitterli; Jérôme Polesel-Maris; Martha Liley; Harry Heinzelmann; Tomaso Zambelli
• Keywords: Nanofluidics; Nanorobotics; Force Spectroscopy

We describe the fluidFM, an atomic force microscope (AFM) based on hollow cantilevers for local liquid dispensing and stimulation of single living cells under physiological conditions. A nanofluidic channel in cantilever allows soluble molecules to be dispensed through a submicrometer aperture AFM tip. The sensitive feedback controlled approach tip sample extremely modification surfaces environments. It also reliable discrimination between gentle contact with cell membrane or its perforation. Using these two procedures, dyes have been introduced into individual even selected subcellular structures cells. universality versatility fluidFM will stimulate original experiments at scale not only biology but physics, chemistry, material science.