Contact
QR code for the current URL

Story Box-ID: 479389

JPK BioAFM | Bruker Nano GmbH Am Studio 2D 12489 Berlin, Germany https://www.bruker.com/bioafm
Contact Ms Claudia Böttcher +49 30 533112070
Company logo of JPK BioAFM | Bruker Nano GmbH
JPK BioAFM | Bruker Nano GmbH

JPK reports on the current research activities of Dr Clemens Franz and his team at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

JPK Instruments, a world-leading manufacturer of nanoanalytic instrumentation for research in life sciences and soft matter, reports on the research of Dr Clemens Franz at the DFG-Center for Functional Nanostructures in Karlsruhe

(PresseBox) (Berlin, )
Dr Clemens Franz leads a group of researchers at the DFG-Center for Functional Nanostructures at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology where he works on expanding the use of AFM for cell biological applications. AFM has a strong advantage over other microscopy techniques. Samples can be imaged directly without prior preparation, such as staining or fixation. This makes the technique extremely suitable for imaging biological samples as biological molecules or even living cells can be maintained under physiological conditions. The group also routinely uses AFM to characterize cell adhesion substrates.

Given that AFM cantilevers are ultrasoft springs, they can be used to measure inter- and even intramolecular bonds. To study cell adhesion, Dr Franz and his team often employ AFM-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS). Here, a living cell is attached to the AFM cantilever and brought into contact with a substrate under defined contact conditions (contact force and time). With a force sensitivity spanning over four orders of magnitude, SCFS provides a unique opportunity to measure cellular adhesion forces from the single-molecule level to overall adhesion in the same experimental setup. AFM-based SCFS has provided important insight into molecular mechanisms involved in adhesion force generation, such as the transition from single-receptor mediated to cooperative receptor binding during the initial phase of cellular contact with an extracellular substrate. Furthermore, the adhesive properties of different surfaces can be accurately characterized.

Their latest challenge is to combine AFM with advanced light microscopy techniques, such as laser scanning confocal or total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy. In this way, the clustering of receptors can be followed in living cells by optical time-lapse-microscopy and directly correlated to the adhesion force information. The group now has built a functional TIRF/AFM setup.

The motivation for this work is to better understand fundamental mechanisms of cell adhesion, particularly initial adhesion events when cells first encounter components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through the use of micro- or nano-patterned artificial cell adhesion substrates, the goal is to emulate the natural cell environment and to manipulate cell adhesion.

Dr Franz describes why he likes to use the JPK AFM systems: "JPK's products are particularly suitable for biological research because of their relative ease of use, their good hardware/software integration, the availability of heated sample chambers and the possibility to image in fluid to keep biological sample functional. Furthermore, the JPK offers excellent integration of AFM and optical microscopy techniques (such as phase contrast, confocal or TIRF microscopy) while the unique 100 Am z-piezo pulling range (CellHesion® modules) are essential for complete cell-substrate separation in single-cell force spectroscopy."

For more details about JPK's specialist products and applications for the bio and nano sciences, please contact JPK on +49 30533112070, visit the web site: www.jpk.com or see more on Facebook:www.jpk.com/facebook.

JPK BioAFM | Bruker Nano GmbH

JPK Instruments AG is a world leading manufacturer of nanoanalytic instruments that enable unparalleled access at the nanotechnology level. JPK was recognized as Germany's fastest growing nanotechnology company in 2007 and 2008 (Deloitte). The product portfolio is based around atomic force microscopes and optical tweezers for a wide range of applications, from soft matter physics to nano-optics, from surface chemistry to cellular and molecular biology. Leading-edge instruments from JPK are used by the most renowned research institutes across the world. Headquartered in Berlin and with operations in Dresden (Germany), Cambridge (UK), Singapore, Tokyo (Japan) and Paris (France), JPK maintains a global network of distributors and support centers and provides on the spot applications and service support to an ever-growing community of researchers.

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.
Important note:

Systematic data storage as well as the use of even parts of this database are only permitted with the written consent of unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH.

unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH 2002–2024, All rights reserved

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.