Imaging and
Stiffness Probing of White Blood Cells Using an Atomic Force Microscope
White
blood cells such as human neutrophils and T-cells serve critical functions
in our body by fighting infection. To do so, they have developed the
essential function of crawling, either on a layer of endothelial cells or
through an extra cellular matrix. The ability to generate force and
undergo shape changes are integral functions of these cells for their
motility. A useful technique to measure these properties is to probe the
stiffness and elasticity of local regions of live cells using an atomic
force microscope (AFM), which can do so to cells adhered to a flat
substrate under the fluid.
Over the ten week
summer research, the selected undergraduate student will learn to operate
an AFM, for both imaging and force measurement. This skill alone will be
highly useful for a student interested in pursuing future study in
biophysics and biomedical engineering, and the student will acquire the
technical skill through one-on-one training by the faculty and by working
closely with the faculty advisor over the summer. The student will also
learn how to handle human neutrophils and T-cells (not advisable for an
immune compromised person), as well as how to interpret AFM data acquired
based on mechanical modelling and analysis. By the end of the summer
research, the student is anticipate to have acquired publication level
images and findings, and be able to present his/her reseult to the
community of researchers and broader public audience.
