Abstract
A single cell adhering to glass was detached from the glass surface by applying shear for using a microcantilever. The interface between the cell and the glass surface was observed by interference reflection microscopy during the cell detachment. As a result, focal adhesion proteins were observed remaining on the glass surface after the cell detachment. Fibrous structures which may be stress fibers were also observed attaching to the focal adhesion proteins remaining on the glass surface after cell detachment. Immunofluoresccent staining confirmed that β_1-integrins remained on the glass surface after the cell detachment. These facts suggest that cell-material adhesion is fractured inside the cell when the cell is detached by shear force from the glass surface.
