Atomic force microscopy imaging of living cells: progress, problems and prospects.

Recent development of atomic force microscopy (AFM) applications in imaging living cells is reviewed, focusing on technical progress and application advancements made in the following major areas: (i) high-resolution imaging of cellular structures, (ii) real-time monitoring of cellular dynamic processes, and (iii) detecting micromechanical properties of the cell. Technical and experimental difficulties frequently encountered in AFM applications in above areas are presented and possible strategies for overcoming these obstacles are discussed. Significant advances in the AFM study of living cells can be achieved from further development of AFM technology, sample preparation, and innovative applications.