AFM methods for studying the morphology and micromechanical properties of the membrane of human buccal epithelium cell

We studied morphology, structure and micromechanical properties of the membrane of living human buccal epithelium cells in the presence of protective adsorption layer of ca. 100 nm on their surface by means of atomic force microscopy in contact and semicontact scanning modes in a broad range of force affections (0-40 µN ). Local mapping of micromechanical surface properties was carried out. The values of elasticity (Young's modulus E = E ( x , y )), elastic Dh dfrm = Dh dfrm ( x , y ) and plastic D h stif =D h stif ( x , y ) deformations were obtained.