Atomic force microscope as a nano- and micrometer scale biological manipulator: A short review.

The amazing capacity of atomic force microscope to let us touch the molecular and cellular level samples with a sharp probe stimulated its application to bio-medical field among others. In addition to topographical imaging of the sample surface, a direct mechanical manipulation has attracted innovative minds to develop new methodologies aiming at direct handling of proteins, DNA/RNA, and cells. Measurement of their mechanical properties brought about a vivid picture of their physical nature. Direct handling of individual molecules and cells prompted development of nano-medical applications. This short review summarized recent application of AFM for measurement of mechanical properties of biological samples and attempts to perform direct manipulations of nano-medicine.