DOI: https://doi.org/10.22184/1993-8578.2024.17.3-4.184.189

The study of the morphology of objects and their mechanical characteristics makes it possible to detect the unique properties of cells and associate these features with development under normal conditions or in the presence of pathologies. To measure the surface of a sample, scanning capillary microscopy (SCM) uses an electrolyte-filled capillary with a nano-sized hole at the tip as a probe. The main advantage of SCM is the non-contact visualization of the biological objects topography in the natural environment – scanning is carried out without forceful contact of the probe tip with the sample surface. Additionally, SCM can be used to determine electrical charges at the solid-liquid interface. In this article, we describe the basics of SCM, its capabilities for imaging cells, and measuring the biomechanical properties of living samples.