Topography of cell traces studied by atomic force microscopy

Migrating adherent cells release material onto artificial substrates like glass and silicon while moving. Traces of mouse fibroblasts (L929) have been visualised by atomic force microscopy (AFM). “Non-contact” mode AFM in a liquid environment can extract topographic information from these traces. This dynamic mode allows the study of these soft structures without damage or compression. The AFM images show crossing and branching networks (with specific angles of branching), structured patches, nodular elements, linear elements with irregular height and other features. Fourier analysis of segment spacing in the strands is presented. These spatial features of fibroblast traces are strong indications that actin linked to structural proteins is involved in the formation of cell traces. We also give methods for trace preparation and undistorted imaging and discuss further perspectives. Received: 11 January 1999 / Revised version: 1 April 1999 / Accepted: 8 April 1999