What is FluidFM?
FluidFM (Fluidic Force Microscopy) is a unique technology that unites two powerful worlds: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Microfluidics.
While traditional AFM uses a solid needle to "feel" surfaces, FluidFM replaces this with a hollow cantilever connected to a precise pressure controller. This simple but revolutionary change transforms the microscope from a passive observation tool into an active manipulation instrument.
It allows users to not only touch and measure delicate biological samples (such as single cells) but also to interact with them by dispensing liquids, applying suction, or injecting substances—all while monitoring forces in real time.
Figure 1. Schematic overview of a FluidFM setup showing the probe holder, microchanneled probe, reservoir, tubing, and optical force-feedback system.
FluidFM Probes: Where It All Begins
At the heart of every FluidFM system is the FluidFM probe: a hollow cantilever with a microscopic channel running through it to an aperture at the tip. By connecting this channel to a pressure controller, you can dispense or aspirate femtoliter volumes while simultaneously sensing interaction forces down to the piconewton range.
Every FluidFM probe consists of two parts: a polymer adapter (tailored to your specific system) and a FluidFM chip that integrates microfluidics and hollow cantilever. Probes come pre-assembled and are ready to use within minutes — simply pipette your solution into the reservoir, connect the probe, and apply a small positive pressure to fill the channel.
Figure 2. How the FluidFM probes are built up.
Probes are available in three standard types, each designed for specific tasks:
FluidFM Micropipette
The largest aperture in the range (2, 4, or 8 µm aperture). Its wide opening makes it ideal for reversibly immobilizing individual cells or micro-sized objects using suction. Best suited for pick and place of cells and dispensing and nanoprinting (e.g., for printing of large spots).
FluidFM Nanosyringe
A sharp tip designed to gently penetrate cell membranes under precise force control (550 or 800 nm aperture). Inject into or extract from the cytoplasm or nucleus. Best suited for injection and extraction (SC Biopsy).
FluidFM Nanopipette
The smallest aperture in the standard range (300 nm), enabling highly localized liquid dispensing with exceptional spatial precision. Best suited for pick and place of bacteria and dispensing and nanoprinting (for printing of detailed patterns).
Main Advantages
FluidFM offers distinct benefits over traditional micropipette or AFM methods:
Gentle & Non-Damaging
The force feedback allows you to approach cells with nanometer precision without killing them.
Universal Versatility
A single system can perform multiple tasks — injection, isolation, adhesion measurement, and printing — simply by changing the probe or the pressure mode.
Easy & Ready-to-Use
FluidFM probes come pre-assembled on a convenient adapter tailored to your system. No complex setup — get started within minutes.
Precise Liquid Handling
The system can control volumes down to the femtoliter scale, enabling extremely localized delivery of drugs or extraction of intracellular content.
Strong & Reversible Grip
By applying negative pressure (suction), the probe can hold onto objects firmly (like a vacuum gripper) and release them instantly by switching to positive pressure
Key Applications & Modes
FluidFM is used in three main modes, each enabled by a specific probe type. Depending on your research goal, you can switch between modes simply by changing the probe or the applied pressure.