A Non-Destructive, Tuneable Method to Isolate Live Cells for High-Speed AFM Analysis

Suitable immobilisation of microorganisms and single cells is key for high-resolution topographical imaging study mechanical properties with atomic force microscopy (AFM) under physiologically relevant conditions. Sample preparation techniques must be able to withstand the forces exerted by Z range-limited cantilever tip, not negatively affect sample surface data acquisition. Here, we describe an inherently flexible methodology, utilising three-dimensional based printing technique multiphoton polymerisation rapidly generate bespoke arrays cellular AFM analysis. As example, present collected from live Emiliania huxleyi cells, unicellular microalgae, imaged contact mode High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM), including one cell that was continuously over 90 min.