Abstract

Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we have investigated the distinct single-cell characteristics of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their cardiomyocyte derivatives (iPSC-CMs). Our study reveals significant shifts in cell elasticity and mass during differentiation and maturation, indicating AFM's potential as a reliable tool to track the progression of iPSC-CMs. Originating from mature cells like human skin cells, iPSCs can differentiate into various cell types, with iPSC-CMs holding promise for applications in cell therapy, drug testing, and cardiac disease research. Increasingly acknowledged for their role in drug evaluation, iPSC-CMs are advancing the field of personalized medicine, and their potential for heart tissue repair underscores their importance in regenerative medicine. The success of these applications hinges on accurately characterizing the cells at the single-cell level, specifically their maturation status. We, for the first time, successfully used AFM to discern between stages of cell differentiation and maturation based on changes in cell elasticity and mass. The integration of AFM with techniques for isolating cells and extracting genomic content can further deepen our understanding of iPSC differentiation, underscoring the expansive potential of AFM as a comprehensive tool for single-cell analysis.