Study of bone cells by quantitative phase microscopy using a Mirau interferometer

The article presents the use of an interference microscope, using a Mirau objective for the study of the early adhesion process of osteoblastlike bone cells, using the phase shifting technique. The process is carried out on surgical stainless steel surfaces of interest for the development of bone implants. Experimental phase maps are directly related to cell profiles. These phase maps are obtained for several adhesion times, which indicate morphological changes in cells. Mainly the change in height profiles through time and the interaction with other surrounding cells are observed. The experimental system used is appropriate for the time scales observed, in the order of hours, showing strength and precision in the calculation of the optical phase.