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Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...

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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Published on: September 15, 2020

Towards nanomicrobiology using atomic force microscopy.

Yves F Dufrêne¹

¹Unité de chimie des interfaces, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/18, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. Yves.Dufrene@uclouvain.be

Nature Reviews. Microbiology

|July 16, 2008

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables high-resolution nanoscale analysis of microbial cells, advancing microbiology and nanoscience. This technique allows detailed observation of cellular structures and interactions, leading to new detection methods.

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Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Published on: September 15, 2020

Contact Mode Atomic Force Microscopy as a Rapid Technique for Morphological Observation and Bacterial Cell Damage Analysis

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Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: August 10, 2011

Area of Science:

Nanoscience
Microbiology
Biophysics

Background:

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become a powerful tool for nanoscale analysis.
Significant advancements have been made in observing membrane proteins and live microbial cells at high resolution over the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the progress and applications of AFM in microbiology.
To showcase the use of AFM for manipulating single molecules and mapping cellular properties.
To introduce novel applications of nanosensors for microbial detection.

Main Methods:

High-resolution imaging of microbial cells and membrane proteins using AFM.
Force spectroscopy for manipulating single membrane proteins and measuring cellular interactions.
Development of cantilever nanosensors for label-free detection.

Main Results:

AFM enables detailed observation of cellular structures and dynamics.
Force spectroscopy allows single-molecule manipulation and characterization of cell surface properties.
Nanosensors provide new avenues for label-free detection of microorganisms.

Conclusions:

AFM is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of nanoscience and microbiology.
AFM techniques offer unprecedented insights into microbial cell biology and interactions.
Recent developments promise enhanced capabilities for microbial detection and analysis.