Affiliations: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia
University, New York, NY 10027, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kevin D. Costa, Ph.D., Columbia
University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 351 Engineering Terrace, Mail
Code 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA. Tel.: +1 212 854
9163; Fax: +1 212 854 8725; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The atomic force microscope (AFM) is emerging as a powerful tool in
cell biology. Originally developed for high-resolution imaging purposes, the
AFM also has unique capabilities as a nano-indenter to probe the dynamic
viscoelastic material properties of living cells in culture. In particular, AFM
elastography combines imaging and indentation modalities to map the spatial
distribution of cell mechanical properties, which in turn reflect the structure
and function of the underlying cytoskeleton. Such measurements have contributed
to our understanding of cell mechanics and cell biology and appear to be
sensitive to the presence of disease in individual cells. This chapter provides
a background on the principles and practice of AFM elastography and reviews the
literature comparing cell mechanics in normal and diseased states, making a
case for the use of such measurements as disease markers. Emphasis is placed on
the need for more comprehensive and detailed quantification of cell
biomechanical properties beyond the current standard methods of analysis. A
number of technical and practical hurdles have yet to be overcome before the
method can be of clinical use. However, the future holds great promise for AFM
elastography of living cells to provide novel biomechanical markers that will
enhance the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
