Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Machine learning classification of normal and malignant cells on the basis of their viscoelastic properties.

Computer methods and programs in biomedicine·2026

Same author

Selective Acidic CO<sub>2</sub> Electroreduction to Methane Using Crown Ether-Functionalized Copper-Based Electrodes.

ChemSusChem·2026

Same author

3D Customized Silica-Based AFM Probes Fabricated by Selective Laser Etching.

Small methods·2026

Same author

Cell Cycle Phases, Their Effect on Cell Mechanical Properties, and the Impact on <i>Candida</i>-Host-Cell Interactions.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2025

Same author

Molecular Modification of Cu-Based Electrodes via Electrografting: Effects of Modifier Structure on CO<sub>2</sub> Electroreduction Selectivity.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2025

Same author

Repeated in vitro exposure to PFOA impairs intestinal barrier integrity and leads to cytosolic accumulation as detected by subcellular chemical imaging.

The Science of the total environment·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

Published on: January 19, 2016

Probing in vitro interactions between Lactococcus lactis and mucins using AFM.

Etienne Dague¹, Doan Thanh Lam Le, Sandrine Zanna

¹CNRS, LAAS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31077 Toulouse, France. edague@laas.fr

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids

|June 15, 2010

Summary

This study used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure adhesion forces between lactic acid bacteria and pig gastric mucin (PGM). Mucin coating significantly reduced bacterial adhesion, revealing key interaction mechanisms at the nanoscale.

More Related Videos

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Published on: December 20, 2013

Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: August 10, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

Published on: January 19, 2016

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Published on: December 20, 2013

Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: August 10, 2011

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Materials Science
Microbiology

Background:

Understanding bacterial adhesion to host surfaces is crucial for fields ranging from medicine to food science.
Pig gastric mucin (PGM) serves as a model for studying host-mucin interactions with microorganisms.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important probiotics, and their interaction with the gastrointestinal tract warrants detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct the first Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) investigation of adhesion forces between Lactococcus lactis (a model LAB) and pig gastric mucin (PGM).
To characterize the PGM coating on a polystyrene surface using complementary analytical techniques.
To quantify the nanoscale interaction forces between bacteria and mucin-coated surfaces.

Main Methods:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in HarmoniX mode was employed to measure nanoscale adhesion forces.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and the sessile drop method were used for surface characterization.
Lactococcus lactis cells were immobilized on an AFM tip to create a 'lacto probe' for force measurements.

Main Results:

The PGM layer was characterized as homogeneous, hydrophilic, and approximately 3.4 nm thick, composed of various organic species and sulfur-related components.
Adhesion forces between the lacto probe and PGM-coated polystyrene were significantly lower (0.12 ± 0.06 nN) compared to bare polystyrene (0.74 ± 0.10 nN).
Analysis of force-distance curves indicated the involvement of electrostatic, hydrophilic, steric repulsions, and specific ligand/receptor bonding in the interactions.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates that mucin adsorption reduces bacterial adhesion forces due to repulsive interactions.
The developed 'lacto probe' and AFM methodology provide a powerful tool for investigating mucin-bacterial interactions.
These findings offer a framework for understanding the complex mechanisms governing the interaction between mucins and lactic acid bacteria.