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Fig. 2 | Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Fig. 2

From: Real-time, label-free monitoring of cell viability based on cell adhesion measurements with an atomic force microscope

Fig. 2

Sketch of the analytical system and the measurement principle. a The thermostatic controlled and sealed sample cell houses the AFM cantilever stage. It is equipped with in- and outlets for liquids. Syringes were used as reservoirs for cells and Au NPs. b (1) The cantilever oscillates at a given frequency and the deflection is recorded over time. The sample cell is fully filled with cell medium and the system is allowed to equilibrate to an approximately constant amplitude. (2) Then, cells are injected and allowed to adhere to the cantilever (deflection increases as cells attach, i.e., mass increases). (3) Then, after 3600 s, NPs or other chemical agents, whose effect on cell adhesion is to be tested, are injected. After a lag phase, in which NPs or other agents start interacting with cells, the deflection decreases, because more and more cells detach from the cantilever. (4) Finally the cantilever is washed with ethanol (70%) and PBS and then, cell medium is injected to regain the initial amplitude and get ready for the next measurement cycle

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