title: Nanoscale imaging and characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans epicuticle using atomic force microscopy.
abstract: Here we introduce PeakForce Tapping non-resonance atomic force microscopy for imaging and nanomechanical mapping of Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. The animals were imaged both in air and water at nanoscale resolution. Layer-by-layer glass surface modification was employed to secure the worms for imaging in water. Microtopography of head region, annuli, furrows, lateral alae and tail region was visualized. Analysis of nanoscale surface features obtained during AFM imaging of three larval and adult hermaphrodite nematodes in natural environment allowed for numerical evaluation of annuli periodicity, furrows depth and annuli roughness. Nanomechanical mapping of surface deformation, Young modulus and adhesion confirms that the mechanical properties of the nematode cuticle are non-uniform. Overall, PeakForce Tapping AFM is a robust and simple approach applicable for nanoscale three-dimensional imaging and characterization of C. elegans nematodes.
authors: Bionanotechnology Lab, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
authors: Gölnur
authors: G
authors: Fakhrullina
authors: Bionanotechnology Lab, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
authors: Farida
authors: F
authors: Akhatova
authors: Bionanotechnology Lab, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Kibardina
authors: LLC OPTEC, Moscow, Russian Federation.
authors: Denis
authors: D
authors: Fokin
authors: Bionanotechnology Lab, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. Electronic address: kazanbio@gmail.com.
authors: Rawil
authors: R
authors: Fakhrullin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005898:Glass; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods
keywords: AFM; Atomic force microscopy; Caenorhabditis elegans; PeakForce Tapping