Probing the Properties of Cells and Cell Surfaces With the Atomic Force Microscope
Dr. Mike McElfresh
Director, Materials Research Institute
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2002
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Place: W183 Nebraska Hall
The goal of our project is to plan and execute several key experiments to demonstrate the applicability of AFM recognition microscopy to quantify physical processes of living cells. This paradigm will form the base for a new generation of cantilever-based sensor systems for non-destructive monitoring of changes in living cells induced by normal cell function (e.g. differentiation, cell-cell interactions) or disease (e.g. cancer, genetic disorders, pathogen invasion, apoptosis). These sensor systems will enable the detection of biological and chemical agents or their affects on host cells, the diagnosis of disease or cell dysfunction, as well as the real-time monitoring of various soft material properties. In combination with the experiments, a model of the mechanical properties of a living cell is being developed using analytical and finite element theoretical modeling. The purpose of this model is to deconvolute key physical properties from the observed experimental responses and to help guide experiment by providing testable hypotheses. Recent results are demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
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