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Investigating cell mechanics with FluidFM force spectroscopy
This project aims to investigate the mechanical properties of living cells using FluidFM technique combined with novel optical tools.
Keywords: Cell adhesion, cell elasticity, single-cell force spectroscopy, FluidFM
The mechanical properties and behavior of living cells are intimately related to the cell function. Cell stiffness and cell adhesion are the two most crucial parameters reflecting the state of cells. To quantify them, numerous methods have emerged.
Traditional AFM-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) is based on attaching a living cell to the AFM cantilever via complex chemical functionalization. With the use of FluidFM, single living cells can be physically immobilized at the cantilever aperture in a straightforward way by applying an adequate negative pressure in the fluidic channel of the FluidFM probe, allowing the SCFS measurements in native conditions (without chemical treatment on cells). Besides, standard functionalized AFM cantilevers can be used only once, whilst in case of FluidFM cells can be immediately detached with a pulse of positive pressure and reused increasing the throughput and efficiency of SCFS assays.
Upon having optimized the protocol with mammalian cells, we are now collaborating with a few groups addressing biological questions as well as coupling the FluidFM with optical tools.
In this project, the student will learn to operate the FluidFM technique, to analyse data with with Python, and to harvest mammalian cells. The detailed topic will be discussed and tailored according to the candidate’s interest.
The mechanical properties and behavior of living cells are intimately related to the cell function. Cell stiffness and cell adhesion are the two most crucial parameters reflecting the state of cells. To quantify them, numerous methods have emerged.
Traditional AFM-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) is based on attaching a living cell to the AFM cantilever via complex chemical functionalization. With the use of FluidFM, single living cells can be physically immobilized at the cantilever aperture in a straightforward way by applying an adequate negative pressure in the fluidic channel of the FluidFM probe, allowing the SCFS measurements in native conditions (without chemical treatment on cells). Besides, standard functionalized AFM cantilevers can be used only once, whilst in case of FluidFM cells can be immediately detached with a pulse of positive pressure and reused increasing the throughput and efficiency of SCFS assays.
Upon having optimized the protocol with mammalian cells, we are now collaborating with a few groups addressing biological questions as well as coupling the FluidFM with optical tools.
In this project, the student will learn to operate the FluidFM technique, to analyse data with with Python, and to harvest mammalian cells. The detailed topic will be discussed and tailored according to the candidate’s interest.