A. Gaitas
University of North Carolina Charlotte,
United States
Keywords: single-cell mass measurement, whole-cell mechanics, embryo elasticity, fluidic probe, thermal microscopy, localized temperature sensing, neurobiology
Summary:
Advances in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offer a powerful route to quantify how mass, mechanics, and temperature regulate cell function, yet practical tools for routine, application-driven measurements in physiologically relevant environments remain limited. In this contribution, we review our prior work in single-cell mass measurements in liquid and present whole-embryo elasticity mapping, and a new compliant fluidic probes and thermal probes designed for gentle interrogation of single cells and tissues. First, we apply whole-cell and whole-embryo indentation strategies to quantify the elasticity of mammalian and early-stage embryos. These measurements highlight how AFM-enabled nanomechanics can report subtle differences in developmental potential without compromising viability. Second, we introduce and test a next-generation family of polymeric, highly compliant, polyimide-based fluidic probes compatible with SPM platforms. Finally, we present our ongoing development of miniaturized thermal probes, based on micro-thermocouple sensing architectures, for localized temperature measurements in oocytes and acute brain slices. Together, these complementary tools illustrate a coherent strategy for using SPM-inspired instrumentation to interrogate living systems. The platforms are aligned with emerging needs in assisted reproduction technologies, neurobiology, organ-on-chip systems, and microfluidic bioprocess monitoring, providing a translational pathway from fundamental SPM measurements to robust bioinstrumentation solutions of interest to both academic and industrial communities.