Atomic force microscopy rheological properties

Another technique widely used in the estimation of the properties of cells and their components is atomic force microscopy, where the sample is probed by a sharp tip located at the end of a cantilever of a prescribed stiffness, and the corresponding indentation is tracked with a laser. The force/indentation relationship is a characterization of the cell (cellular component) properties. A traditional interpretation of this experiment is based on Hertz theory of a frictionless contact of a rigid tip with an elastic isotropic half-space [Radmacher et al, 1996]. The finite thickness of the cell can be taken into account by considering an elastic layer adhered to a substrate. More details of cell geometry and rheology can be considered by using the finite element method. 

Thermogravimetric Analysis to study the thermal properties. Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscopy to analyze the morphology of the materials, Atomic Force Microscopy to carry out a surface analysis and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to evaluate the mechanical properties, etc. Also, it is important for the study of such properties as rheology and X-ray diffraction. 

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