ABSTRACT

Nanomechanics of cytoskeleton is deeply involved in physiology and regulation of cell behavior. Atomic Force Microscopy has been extensively used for quantitative characterization with high-spatial resolution, in particular showing tremendous opportunities in biomechanics by quantifying mechanical parameters related to cytoskeleton organization. In this short review, we highlight recent developments in cell nanomechanics by AFM focusing on methodology and direct application to investigate cytoskeleton restructuration when cells are interacting with nanostructures (surfaces and nanoparticles). In particular, cells can sense the stiffness of environment or internalized particles and AFM can detect the rearrangement of cytoskeleton as one of the responses of mechanotransduction stimuli. Current bottlenecks hindering further progress in technology, such as theoretical models of interpretation will be discussed, in particular we propose a solution for complex system by coupling AFM with finite element simulations to retrieve more quantitative information when heterogeneity and convolution play important roles. Finally, we present recent cutting-edge research directions to explore new techniques and enhance the capabilities of AFM nanomechanics for living cells.

摘要

细胞骨架的纳米力学深深地参与了生理和细胞行为的调节。原子力显微镜已广泛用于高空间分辨率的定量表征，尤其是通过量化与细胞骨架组织有关的机械参数，在生物力学中显示出巨大的机会。在这篇简短的评论中，我们重点介绍了AFM在细胞纳米力学方面的最新进展，重点是方法和直接应用来研究细胞与纳米结构（表面和纳米颗粒）相互作用时的细胞骨架重构。特别是，细胞可以感觉到环境或内部微粒的硬度，而AFM可以检测到细胞骨架的重排，作为机械传导刺激的反应之一。当前的瓶颈阻碍了技术的进一步发展，例如解释理论模型，特别是当异质性和卷积起重要作用时，我们将AFM与有限元模拟结合起来以获取更多定量信息，从而为复杂系统提出了一种解决方案。最后，我们提出了最新的前沿研究方向，以探索新技术并增强AFM纳米力学对活细胞的功能。