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Single Cell Force Spectroscopy

  1. Open link to 2012 PLOS One paper by E Potthoff et al.

Advantages of FluidFM compared to classical AFM methods

Cell adhesion to surfaces represents the basis for niche colonization and cell survival. Single-cell force-spectroscopy studies, however, are often hampered by the relatively slow pace at which a statistically relevant amount of data can be obtained. Potthoff et al. [see Link below] have recently shown that FluidFM® can dramatically increase the amount of data that can be recorded in a single day.


Representative example of the force-distance (F-D) curves that were obtained with a HeLa cell on fibronectin.

By applying underpressure to the system, FluidFM® cantilevers can attach to a selected cell within seconds. Likewise, the probe can be immediately re-used after each adhesion experiment by releasing the detached cell from the probe through the application of overpressure. The maximum cell adhesion forces measured in the study were in the range of 500 pN to 1600 nN. The latter value represents a one-order of magnitude increase compared to conventional AFM approaches.

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FluidFM® probe microscopy

Nanosurf's FluidFM Probe Microscope solutions are the market leading FluidFM® solution with experience going all the way back to 2009. It is the go-to instrument for biologists, biophysicists and material scientists who want to conduct experiments on individual cells using the highly accurate force and position control of an atomic force microscope combined with FluidFM® micropipettes.