Analysis of cytoskeletal features in dried and living cells and slow dynamic experiments using atomic force microscopy

Abstract

The ability to interact with live cells in vitro in combination with either sequential image acquisition or continuous force sensing provide the means for tracking the dynamics of intra- or inter-cell processes. The former operational mode is relatively slow and is most suitable for events where the temporal evolution takes place on a time scale of several minutes to hours. For instance, aspects of cytoskeletal dynamics, cell motility or conformational response to external stimuli fall into this category.

In this study we demonstrate cell responses from exposure to cytochalasin, glutaraldehyde and a tetrazolium salt. Significant changes in mechanical properties and structural features are observed on time scales up to 3 hrs. In addition, comparative studies of cytoskeletal components of dried and living cells are undertaken.