Institute of Life Science, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
Biol Cell. 2009 Dec 16;102(2):133-43. doi: 10.1042/BC20090127.
AFM (atomic force microscopy) analysis, both of fixed cells, and live cells in physiological environments, is set to offer a step change in the research of cellular function. With the ability to map cell topography and morphology, provide structural details of surface proteins and their expression patterns and to detect pico-Newton force interactions, AFM represents an exciting addition to the arsenal of the cell biologist. With the explosion of new applications, and the advent of combined instrumentation such as AFM-confocal systems, the biological application of AFM has come of age. The use of AFM in the area of biomedical research has been proposed for some time, and is one where a significant impact could be made. Fixed cell analysis provides qualitative and quantitative subcellular and surface data capable of revealing new biomarkers in medical pathologies. Image height and contrast, surface roughness, fractal, volume and force analysis provide a platform for the multiparameter analysis of cell and protein functions. Here, we review the current status of AFM in the field and discuss the important contribution AFM is poised to make in the understanding of biological systems.
原子力显微镜（AFM）分析，无论是固定细胞还是生理环境中的活细胞，都有望在细胞功能研究方面带来重大突破。AFM 具有绘制细胞形貌和形态、提供表面蛋白结构细节及其表达模式的能力，并能检测皮牛顿力相互作用，是细胞生物学家的强大工具。随着新应用的涌现，以及 AFM-共聚焦系统等组合仪器的出现，AFM 的生物学应用已经成熟。AFM 在生物医学研究领域的应用已经提出了一段时间，并且可能会产生重大影响。固定细胞分析提供了定性和定量的亚细胞和表面数据，能够揭示医学病理学中的新生物标志物。图像高度和对比度、表面粗糙度、分形、体积和力分析为细胞和蛋白质功能的多参数分析提供了一个平台。在这里，我们回顾了 AFM 在该领域的现状，并讨论了 AFM 在理解生物系统方面即将做出的重要贡献。
