Open Force Microscopy for Biology and Biomedicine

Introduction

The emergence and establishment of mechanobiology has led to a growing demand for the mechanical characterization of biological samples. Moreover, nanomechanical tests for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases are now being applied in clinical trials.

Current Challenges

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is likely the most versatile, robust, and standardized tool for nanomechanical tests of biological systems. However, commercial AFM systems face several challenges:

1. They are expensive.
2. They are not dedicated to mechanical tests.
3. They are difficult to use and customize.

Proposed Solution

To solve these problems, we propose to develop and build an open-source force microscopy prototype: openFMLab.

System Features

Built on the instrumentation developed during the ERC Consolidator project MechaDynA, the openFMLab system will be:

• Affordable
• Customizable
• User-friendly
• Dedicated to mechanical tests in biology

Cost reduction will be assured by using open-source design, hardware, and software, along with a function exclusively dedicated to mechanical measurements.

Development and Usability

The development of robust protocols and algorithms for calibration, data acquisition, and data processing will provide ease of use. Finally, the system will be modular and adaptable to any optical microscope and experimental setup.

Project Implementation

During the openFMLab project, we will:

• Design
• Build
• Implement
• Test the system in-house and with external end-users at biology and biomedical laboratories and industrial partners.

Collaboration and Goals

We will explore cost reduction and create collaborations to add value to the system. Additionally, we will define licensing, knowledge transfer, and commercialization strategies.

Final Goal

The final goal of openFMLab is to make AFM for nanomechanical testing a common tool in any laboratory.