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

Biological Procedures Online volume 6, pages 1–9 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

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.

Abbreviations

AFM:

atomic force microscope

LFA-1:

leukocyte function-associated antigen-1

ICAM-1:

intercellular adhesion molecule-1

PMA:

phorbol myristate acetate

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, 33136, Miami, FL, USA

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

Authors
  1. Ewa P. Wojcikiewicz
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  2. Xiaohui Zhang
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  3. Vincent T. Moy
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Correspondence to Vincent T. Moy.

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Published: January 15, 2004

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Wojcikiewicz, E.P., Zhang, X. & Moy, V.T. Force and compliance measurements on living cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Biol. Proced. Online 6, 1–9 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo67

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo67

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Biological Procedures Online

ISSN: 1480-9222

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