AFM feature definition for neural cells on nanofibrillar tissue scaffolds.

A diagnostic approach is developed and implemented that provides clear feature definition in atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of neural cells on nanofibrillar tissue scaffolds. Because the cellular edges and processes are on the same order as the background nanofibers, this imaging situation presents a feature definition problem. The diagnostic approach is based on analysis of discrete Fourier transforms of standard AFM section measurements. The diagnostic conclusion that the combination of dynamic range enhancement with lowfrequency component suppression enhances feature definition is shown to be correct and to lead to clearfeatured images that could change previously held assumptions about the cell–cell interactions present. Clear feature definition of cells on scaffolds extends the usefulness of AFM imaging for use in regenerative medicine. SCANNING 34: 316–324, 2012. C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.National Science Foundation, Contract grant number: PHY-0957776; Contract grant sponsor: General Directorate for Higher Education, Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey; Contract grant sponsor: Michigan-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Summer Undergraduate Research Academy