ASCB
AFM of Cells-Technology & Advancements Tutorial

ASCB, Monday, Dec. 15th, 6:00pm

Atomic Force Microscopy of Cells – Technology and Advancements Tutorial
Presented by Sophia Hohlbauch, Asylum Research

Atomic Force Microscopy has evolved from a basic imaging tool to a more advanced instrument to elucidate membrane mechanics and intracellular dynamics. AFM was first used to provide high resolution on living cells in near-physiological conditions. Details on cell membranes were discovered and changes to cell morphology could be monitored over time. AFM's contribution expanded to cell mechanics to determine the elastic moduli of cells. Finally the AFM has been combined with optical microscopes allowing for the integration with fluorescence techniques (epifluorescence, confocal, FRET and TIRF). Researchers can identify features of interest on the cell surfaces but can correlate intracellular dynamics with changes in the mechanical properties of cells. We’ll present current research in cell biology, ie cell morphology, mechanics, and dynamics including general guidelines for data acquisition. The tutorial is free to all ASCB attendees. If you are unable to attend, please email us for a copy of the presentation.