Imaging living cells surface and quantifying its properties at high resolution using AFM in QI™ mode

► This paper presents results obtained using the AFM quantitative imaging mode. ► We explored the surface topography, nanomechanical or adhesion properties of single cells: Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, HCT116 cells, CHO cells and their nuclei. ► All together the results demonstrate that AFM can be conducted on soft and fragile sample, very close to their native environment. ► All the experiments were conducted in liquid, on living cells, at regulated temperature and pH when required.