Imaging and manipulating living neurons with atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) applications in medicine and biology promises to be significant. Resolutions of living biological materials provided by this technology in the native environment far surpass any modality currently available. The AFM can also be used to physically interact with the sample of interest, allowing for novel experimentation. This report discusses three-dimensional architectures of living chick dorsal root ganglion and sympathetic ganglion somas and growth cones. Secondly, the AFM has been used to inflict damage to these neurons and subsequently image the cell´s response to injury. In the Center for Paralysis Research, we intend to expand on these preliminary investigations toward a better understanding of neurotrauma and nerve repair.