DNA-Coated AFM Cantilevers for the Investigation of Cell Adhesion and the Patterning of Live Cells

Sonny C. Hsiao, Ailey K. Crow, Wilbur A. Lam, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Daniel A. Fletcher, Matthew B. Francis
Published Online: Sep 16 2008 9:46AM
DOI: 10.1002/anie.200802525

Get a grip: Measurement of receptor adhesion strength requires the precise manipulation of single cells on a contact surface. To attach live cells to a moveable probe, DNA sequences complementary to strands displayed on the plasma membrane are introduced onto AFM cantilevers (see picture, bp=base pairs). The strength of the resulting linkages can be tuned by varying the length of DNA strands, allowing for controlled transport of the cells.