Direct observation of the p188 mediated membrane sealing with atomic force microscopy

The structural changes in fibroblast cell membranes associated with permeability increases due to a chemical injury by saponin and successive Poloxamer 188 (P188) mediated membrane sealing were characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM). In combination with the AFM imaging, a cell viability measurement was also performed. Ethidium homodimer-1 (EH) saponin/water and calcien-AM were used to stain the cells. Direct evidence was obtained that P188 restore the integrity of compromised cell membranes and increase the survival of the treated cells.