Patent ID: 8859279
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A cell detachment method for detaching only a desired cell from a plurality of cells cultured on a substrate under predetermined culture environment conditions using a scanning probe microscope having a probe provided at a distal end portion of a deflectable lever, comprising: an observation step for observing the plural cells and specifying the cell to be detached; a moving step, performed after the observation step, for moving the probe of the scanning probe microscope in a direction vertical to the substrate to position a tip of the probe on the surface of the specified cell; a stimulation step, performed after the moving step, for giving physical stimulation to the specified cell by pressing the probe against the specified cell with a predetermined force in order to detach the specified cell from the substrate, the stimulation step comprising gradually pressing the probe in a direction vertical to the substrate against the specified cell with the predetermined force to cause deflection of the lever, detecting a change in deflection of the lever caused by pressing the probe against the specified cell, and stopping the pressing of the probe against the specified cell when the change in deflection of the lever reaches a preset rated value that signifies a temporary cessation of cell activity and weakening of the adhesive force exhibited by the specified cell to cause the specified cell to detach from the substrate; and a capturing step for capturing the detached cell, the capturing step being performed after the stimulation step.