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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy of Red-Light Photoreceptors Using PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping

Atomic Force Microscopy of Red-Light Photoreceptors Using PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping

Published on: October 24, 2014

Single-photon atomic force microscopy.

¹Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 400016, China. zhangjun1017@sohu.com

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

|January 13, 2010

Summary

Single-photon atomic force microscopy (SP-AFM) offers a novel way to track biomolecular interactions in living cells. This advanced technique provides high spatial and temporal resolution for in vivo studies.

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Molecular Biology
Nanotechnology

Background:

Scanning probe microscopy and other advanced imaging techniques are used to study biomolecular interactions.
Directly monitoring biomolecular dynamics in living cells with high resolution remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and validate a novel technique, single-photon atomic force microscopy (SP-AFM), for observing biomolecular interactions in vivo.
To overcome the limitations of existing methods in spatial and temporal resolution for live-cell studies.

Main Methods:

SP-AFM combines atomic force microscopy with carbon nanotube technology and single-photon detection.
The method enables simultaneous acquisition and analysis of surface topography and fluorescent optical signals during scanning.

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Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

Published on: July 10, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy of Red-Light Photoreceptors Using PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping

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Published on: October 24, 2014

High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of DNA Three-Point-Star Motif Self Assembly Using Photothermal Off-Resonance Tapping

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Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

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Published on: July 10, 2019

Main Results:

SP-AFM achieves subnanometer resolution for both topography imaging and molecular identification.
The technique allows for tracing biomolecular interactions and dynamics in vivo with unprecedented detail.

Conclusions:

SP-AFM is a powerful new tool for exploring biomolecular interactions and dynamics in living cells.
Its unique capabilities position it for significant contributions to live-cell imaging and complex biological systems.