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Published on: July 10, 2019
Introduction to atomic force microscopy (AFM) in biology.
Claire Goldsbury1, Simon Scheuring2
1Cytoskeleton Group, Max Planck Unit for Structural Molecular Biology, Hamburg, Germany.
Current Protocols in Protein Science
|April 23, 2008
Summary
The atomic force microscope (AFM) images biological samples at molecular resolution in liquid. This technique reveals surface topography, molecular forces, and mechanical properties of living biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offers high-resolution imaging of biological samples.
- AFM can operate in buffer solutions, maintaining a physiological environment for live samples.
- The technique allows for the study of molecular interactions and mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the application of AFM in biological systems.
- To provide examples of AFM use on proteins.
- To describe the physical principles and practical methodologies of AFM for biological studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for imaging and force measurements.
- Conducting experiments in aqueous buffer solutions to mimic physiological conditions.
- Analyzing topographical data at nanometer to angstrom resolution.
Main Results:
- AFM provides detailed topographical images of biological surfaces.
- It enables the measurement of forces between single molecules.
- Mechanical properties of biological samples can be quantified.
Conclusions:
- AFM is a powerful tool for studying biological samples in a life-like environment.
- It allows for real-time monitoring of structural changes in biomolecules.
- AFM facilitates a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms in biology.
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