A combined optical and atomic force microscope for live cell investigations

Ultramicroscopy. 2006 Jun-Jul;106(8-9):645-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2005.12.020. Epub 2006 Apr 21.

Abstract

We present an easy-to-use combination of an atomic force microscope (AFM) and an epi-fluorescence microscope, which allows live cell imaging under physiological conditions. High-resolution AFM images were acquired while simultaneously monitoring either the fluorescence image of labeled membrane components, or a high-contrast optical image (DIC, differential interference contrast). By applying two complementary techniques at the same time, additional information and correlations between structure and function of living organisms were obtained. The synergy effects between fluorescence imaging and AFM were further demonstrated by probing fluorescence-labeled receptor clusters in the cell membrane via force spectroscopy using antibody-functionalized tips. The binding probability on receptor-containing areas identified with fluorescence microscopy ("receptor-positive sites") was significantly higher than that on sites lacking receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force* / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence*
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / analysis*
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / metabolism
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / ultrastructure
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • SCARB1 protein, human
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B