Single Cell Force Spectroscopy with FluidFM
Dive into Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy with FluidFM.
FluidFM-enabled Single Cell Force Spectroscopy
With the FluidFM technology, live cells can be reversibly immobilized onto the cantilever by applying and maintaining adequate negative pressure of the fluidic channel on the FluidFM probe. This gentle physical, rather than invasive chemical, immobilization allows single cell force spectroscopy measurements to be done in native conditions (without chemical treatment of cells).
With this ability, FluidFM probes can be used multiple times, hence improving the experimental reproducibility. In addition, once the measurement of a single cell is completed, the FluidFM probe can be controlled to absorb another cell for further measurements.
The FluidFM technology thus increases both throughput and efficiency of single cell force spectroscopy measurements, drastically reducing the time required to obtain statistically relevant data compared to conventional AFM-based SCFS. [1]
Features & Benefits of single cell force spectroscopy measurement with FluidFM
Accelerate your research with a semi-automated single-cell adhesion measurement. The FluidFM OMNIUM platform is a semi-automated system for measuring up to 200 single cells a day. Get reproducible, direct force measurements in high quality and with sound statistics.
High Throughput
Measure up to 200 cells a day using semi-automated workflows.
Many Cell Types & Colloids
For mammalian cells, microbes, and colloids
Broad Force Range
Direct force measurement from pN to µN
10x faster measurements compared to standard methods
As objects like cells or colloids can be quickly exchanged through reversible immobilization, measurement throughput is increased more than 10-fold. Up to 200 individual objects can be analyzed in a single day.
Working principle of single cell force spectroscopy with FluidFM.
Simple - no glue needed
The suction method of immobilizing the objects onto the FluidFM cantilever makes it reversible and avoids any glue: Pick. Measure. Release. Repeat.
Switch the probe anytime or reuse to save money
Whether due to degradation, contamination or a required change of probe geometry or chemistry – you can switch the probe at anytime. Just release the object, change the probe, and take up the object again. Our FluidFM Probes typically last for several force spectroscopy measurement days allowing the analysis of several hundred cells.
Many cell types and colloids supported
Cells and colloids come in a wealth of shapes and sizes. FluidFM single-cell force spectroscopy works with adherent or suspension mammalian cells, spheric or rod-shaped microbes, and with colloids, bubbles, and droplets from 0.5 to 100 µm particle size. FluidFM can handle them whether they are hundreds of nm or dozens of µm in diameter. Customers have even analyzed non-colloidal E.coli cells.
| Cells | Microbes | Colloids |
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| Adherent or suspension cells | Spheric or rod shaped. Algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. |
Colloids from 0.5 to 100 µm particle size. Also for bubbles, droplets. |
Self-centering – means reproducibility
The position of the object on the FluidFM cantilever is given by the position of the aperture. Thus, every colloidal probe will be centered automatically and at the same position – as long as the same FluidFM Probe is used. This results in highly reproducible positioning.
1) cell is selected 2) Cell is detached from surface 3) Resulting force spectroscopy. Image courtesy of Bruker.
10x higher force range
The various stiffnesses and opening diameters of FluidFM Probes enable to measure forces from tens of pN up to µN.
Pick from substrate or attract from solution, or even air
Pick-up cells directly from a substrate or attract them from a solution via liquid influx to the aperture of the FluidFM Probe. This method is also recommended when the long-term adhesion of a microbe to a substrate is too strong to quantify, and hence shorter-term interactions are studied. Researchers have also performed particle and microbe measurements in air.
S. Cerevisiae, also known as baker’s yeast, are picked-up from medium, measured and then deposited in a line with a FluidFM Micropipette. The cells stay fully viable through this procedure. Image courtesy of P. Dörig, ETH Zurich.
Related Resources
Technical
Instrument / Probes
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FluidFM ADD-ON | FluidFM OMNIUM |
| Description | Convenient solution to add FluidFM functionality to existing AFM systems |
Versatile, automated, stand-alone FluidFM system, optimized for life science applications with large manipulation range |
| Pre-existing requirements | Needs a compatible AFM from third party supplier |
No requirements |
| Hardware | FluidFM module as add-on to existing AFM systems |
Standalone FluidFM system with integrated microscope and force-control unit |
| Software | Extension to software of AFM supplier |
Standalone software with dedicated workflows and automation |
| Automation | Limited and depending on AFM system |
Automated workflows available as well as full manual control if needed |
| Compatible probes | Full range of FluidFM Nanosyringes, Nanopipettes, and Micropipettes More on FluidFM probes & technology |
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| Probe replacement | Easy click-fix mount of probe pre-assembled on adaptor, no tools needed |
Automated probe exchange process |
| Incubator for CO2 and temperature control | Available (from AFM supplier) |
Available, specially tailored to the FluidFM OMNIUM |
| Compatibility | Nanosurf (Core |
n.a. (standalone system) |
Single Cell Force Spectroscopy Relevant Specifications
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FluidFM ADD-ON | FluidFM OMNIUM |
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Workflow automation
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Operator guided measurement for each cell. Limited automation available depending on AFM supplier software. |
Operator selects cells of interest in software. Automated measurement and release of selected cells. Automated probe washing procedure between two cells. |
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Throughput
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Up to 20 adherent cells per day |
Up to 100 adherent cells per day |
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Force sensitivity and resolution
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< 100 pN |
< 1 nN |
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Force range
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100 pN to 1 µN |
1 nN to 1 µN |
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Force mapping
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Available as supported by specific AFM |
Not available |
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AFM imaging modes
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All modes as supported by specific AFM |
Not available |
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Z-movement resolution
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< 0.1 nm |
< 5 nm |
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Z- measurement range
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10 µm to 200 µm (depending on AFM system) |
5 cm |
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Accessible XY-range during one measurement
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100 µm x 100 µm (depending on AFM system) |
240 mm x 74 mm (two well plates) |
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XY-automation
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Yes, depending on AFM model |
Yes |
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Culture plate/ slide compatibility
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Depending on AFM model, typically low-profile dishes (50mm or 35 mm), not compatible with standard well plates. |
Compatible with standard plates (6, 12, 24-well), petri-dishes, glass slides and more. |
Media & Downloads
- Single-cell adhesion webinar in collaboration with Nanosurf
- Automated Adhesion Application Note
References
[1] Dehullu, Jérôme, et al. "Fluidic force microscopy captures amyloid bonds between microbial cells." Trends in microbiology 27.9 (2019): 728-730.