Sw. Schneider et al., Continuous detection of extracellular ATP on living cells by using atomic force microscopy, P NAS US, 96(21), 1999, pp. 12180-12185
Citations number
38
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Atomic force microscopy is a powerful technique used to investigate the sur
face of living cells under physiological conditions. The resolution of the
instrument is mainly limited by the softness of living cells and the intera
ctions with the scanning tip (cantilever). Atomic force microscopy, in comb
ination with myosin-functionalized cantilevers, was used in the detection o
f ATP concentrations in solution and on living cells. Functionally active t
ips were used to scan the surface of cells in culture and to show that the
CFTR+ cell line (59) had a basal surface ATP concentration that could be de
tected with atomic: force microscopy (n = 10). ATP-dependent signals were n
ot detectable in cells scanned with noncoated or heat-inactivated enzyme-co
ated tips (n = 9). Enzymatically active tips may serve as a model for futur
e development of atomic force microscopy biosensors that can simultaneously
detect topographical and biologically important compounds at the surface m
icroenvironment of living cells.