DataVXBiomimeticsPaper
journal article·2026-02-01Open access

Development of Three Alternative Strategies for the Binding of Cells to Functionalized DeepTipTM AFM Probes

Raquel Tabraue-Rubio, Laura Yuste Muñoz, Marcos Vázquez, Rafael Daza, Luis Colchero, María Eugenia Fernández-Santos, Manuel Elices, Fivos Panetsos, Gustavo V. Guinea, José Pérez-Rigueiro

Biomimetics· Volume 11· Issue 2
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Source abstract

Abstract

The efficient design of biohybrid materials requires controlling the interaction between the cell and the material for a wide range of possible combinations. Single cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), an atomic force microscopy (AFM) experimental procedure based on the binding of an individual cell to an AFM cantilever and the assessment of the adhesion force between the cell and a target substrate, represents one of the most promising alternatives to characterize the interaction between cell and material. However, SCFS relies on the efficient binding of the cell to the AFM in order to avoid drawbacks, such as the detachment of the cell. In this work, three different versatile and robust procedures are presented that allow for the binding of either non-adherent (CD4+ T-lymphocytes) or adherent (mesenchymal stem cells, MSC) cells to the AFM probe. The three crosslinking strategies comprise (1) the streptavidin/biotin system, (2) sulfhydryl group-based crosslinkers, and (3) “click” (bioorthogonal) chemistry. Additionally, three decoration schemes of the functionalized AFM probes are explored: a specific antibody, concanavalin A, and direct binding of the cell through azide-derivatized membrane proteins. Differences are observed between these alternatives and it is found that the strength of the interaction (in decreasing order) is as follows: specific antibody, concanavalin A, and binding through azide-derivatized proteins.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications · Cellular Mechanics and Interactions · Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain

Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Bioactive Surfaces S.L., C/Puerto de Navacerrada 18, 28260 Galapagar, Madrid, Spain

Department of Cardiology, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain

Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red–Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIVERCV), RICORS TERAV, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain

ATMPs Production Unit, IiS-Gregorio Marañón Health (IisSGM), Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, 28007 Madrid, Spain

Neurocomputing and Neurorobotics Research Group, Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Optics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Calle Prof. Martín Lagos s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain

Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain

Funding

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación · Comunidad de Madrid · European Union’s EIC-Pathfinder Programme

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