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Related Experiment Videos

Atomic force microscopy: a powerful tool to observe biomolecules at work.

A Engel1, Y Lyubchenko, D Müller

  • 1Institute for Microscopic Structural Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland. aengel@ubaclu.unibas.ch

Trends in Cell Biology
|March 24, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images biomolecules in their native environment, revealing submolecular details and conformational changes. Advances in AFM technology enable direct observation of molecular dynamics and structures.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Surface Science

Background:

  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) utilizes a sharp tip to scan surfaces, recording topography through cantilever deflections.
  • AFM operation in physiological solutions enables the study of biomolecules in their native, hydrated environments.
  • Recent advancements in instrumentation and sample preparation have significantly improved image resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the capabilities of AFM for observing biomolecules in physiological solutions.
  • To highlight the submolecular detail achievable with modern AFM techniques.
  • To illustrate the direct observation of biomolecular conformational changes using AFM.

Main Methods:

  • Employing AFM with a sharp tip scanning surfaces in a raster pattern.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Operating AFM in aqueous buffers to maintain biomolecular integrity.
  • Utilizing advanced imaging modes to achieve high-resolution topographical data.

    • Main Results:

    • AFM provides high-resolution topographical images of biomolecules and their assemblies.
    • Submolecular details of biomolecular structures are discernible using AFM.
    • Direct visualization of dynamic conformational changes in biomolecules is possible.

    Conclusions:

    • AFM is a powerful tool for studying biomolecules in their native states.
    • Technological progress in AFM allows for unprecedented insights into molecular structure and dynamics.
    • AFM facilitates the direct observation of biomolecular interactions and conformational transitions.