FluidFM: combining atomic force microscopy and nanofluidics in a universal liquid delivery system for single cell applications and beyond

Meister, A; Gabi, M; Behr, P; Studer, P; Vörös, J; Niedermann, P; Bitterli, J; Polesel-Maris, J; Liley, M; Heinzelmann, H; Zambelli, T

doi:10.1021/nl901384x

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Meister, A., Gabi, M., Behr, P., Studer, P., Vörös, J., Niedermann, P., Bitterli, J., Polesel-Maris, J., Liley, M., Heinzelmann, H., & Zambelli, T. (2009). FluidFM: combining atomic force microscopy and nanofluidics in a universal liquid delivery system for single cell applications and beyond. Nano Letters, 9(6), 2501–2507. https://doi.org/10.1021/nl901384x

Abstract

We describe the fluidFM, an atomic force microscope (AFM) based on hollow cantilevers for local liquid dispensing and stimulation of single living cells under physiological conditions. A nanofluidic channel in the cantilever allows soluble molecules to be dispensed through a submicrometer aperture in the AFM tip. The sensitive AFM force feedback allows controlled approach of the tip to a sample for extremely local modification of surfaces in liquid environments. It also allows reliable discrimination between gentle contact with a cell