Analysis of human fibroblasts in vitro—imaging conditions and cytochalasin treatment

The structure of human fibroblasts has been characterised in vitro by atomic force microscopy (AFM) operated in the imaging or in the force vs. distance ( F– d) modes. The choice of growth substrate is important to ensure good adhesion. The substrate also affects the imaging conditions for in vitro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied surface science 1999, Vol.144, p.141-145
Main Authors: Bushell, G.R, Cahill, C, Clarke, F.M, Gibson, C.T, Myhra, S, Watson, G.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adhesion
Atomic force microscopy
Biological and medical sciences
Biomechanics
Biomedical engineering
Cells
Cytology
Diverse techniques
Force–distance analysis
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Human fibroblasts
Image formation
Imaging techniques
Mathematical models
Molecular and cellular biology
Skin
Surface mechanical properties
Surface properties
Tissue culture
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Summary:The structure of human fibroblasts has been characterised in vitro by atomic force microscopy (AFM) operated in the imaging or in the force vs. distance ( F– d) modes. The choice of growth substrate is important to ensure good adhesion. The substrate also affects the imaging conditions for in vitro analysis of live cells; activated tissue culture dishes are shown to promote conditions that routinely result in good quality images. A qualitative model suggests that the activated substrate may act as a preferential scavenger of cellular debris, therefore promoting low adhesion between tip and membrane and preventing the tip from biofouling. Alternatively, the activated substrate may promote a more rigid cell structure, thus resulting in improved imaging. Good imaging conditions provide nondestructive in vitro information about cytoskeletal structure and dynamics; thus, treatment with cytochalasin can be monitored in real time for durations of several hours.
ISSN:0169-4332
1873-5584
DOI:10.1016/S0169-4332(98)00785-5