Atomic Force Microscopy of Microbial Cells

AFM provides exciting possibilities for probing the structural and physical properties of living microbial cells. Using topographic imaging, cell surface nanostructures (rodlets, appendages) can be directly visualized and the changes of cell surface morphology occurring during physiological processes (germination, division) can be determined. Force-distance curves provide complementary information on surface forces, adhesion and nanomechanics, yielding new insight into the mechanisms of biological events such as cell adhesion and aggregation. Improvements in sample preparation techniques, instrumentation and recording conditions may bring subnanometer resolution to these living cells for monitoring molecular conformational changes, as is already the case with reconstituted microbial surface layers.