Protocol for measuring membrane elasticity of mouse cardiomyocytes using atomic force microscopy.

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique that enables the determination of cellular mechanics at the single-cell level. Here, we present a protocol for using AFM to measure membrane mechanical properties of mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes. The key steps include isolation of mouse cardiomyocytes, cantilever preparation, modification and calibration, and measurement of force-deformation profiles, from which membrane Young's moduli are quantified. The outcomes advance our knowledge of cardiomyocyte's unique mechanical and dynamic properties.