Nanomotion detection based on atomic force microscopy cantilevers

Atomic force microscopes (AFM) or low-noise in-house dedicated devices can highlight nanomotion oscillations. The method consists of attaching the organism of interest onto a silicon-based sensor and following its nano-scale motion as a function of time. The nanometric scale oscillations exerted by biological specimens last as long the organism is viable and reflect the status of the microorganism metabolism upon exposure to different chemical or physical stimuli. During the last couple of years, the nanomotion pattern of several types of bacteria, yeasts and mammalian cells has been determined. This article reviews this technique in details, presents results obtained with dozens of different microorganisms and discusses the potential applications of nanomotion in fundamental research, medical microbiology and space exploration.