Novel method for electrical and mechanical characterisation of biological material

The main objective of the project is to develop characterization methods for biological samples inside an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). For the characterization of single cells we will use modified yeast cells as a model system for studying the effect of different inhibitors on water channel activity, in particular potential inhibitors to aquaporin 4. Viability tests on individual cells have to be performed under various ESEM conditions in order to ensure correct measurement conditions. In order to evaluate the inner osmotic pressure of individual cells the environment of the cells will be altered by adjusting the humidity on the sample by means of condensation. This change will be measured using the force sensor. The process is followed and saved by imaging and force-pressure measurements in real time.