Nanoscale Cell Surface Topography Imaging using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

Abstract

Nanoscale cell surface topography was visualized using a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM), where a nanopipette was used as the scanning probe to detect ionic current as feedback signal. SICM was an effective tool for noncontact topographical imaging of live cells, because measurements were performed under physiological conditions. This breakthrough technique opens up a wealth of possible new experiments in membrane and cell biology.