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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy01:08

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...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy
10:06

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

Published on: July 10, 2019

Atomic force microscopy of biological samples.

David P Allison1, Ninell P Mortensen, Claretta J Sullivan

  • 1Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN 37831-6445, USA.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
|July 31, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has revolutionized biological research by enabling real-time structural and functional analysis. Advancements from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to atomic force microscopy (AFM) have expanded its applications in molecular biology.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

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

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

Published on: October 24, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is crucial for real-time structural-functional analysis in post-genomic research.
  • The development of SPM integrated physics and biology, enabling high-resolution microscopy.
  • Early challenges with non-conductive biological samples spurred innovation in SPM techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution and impact of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in biological research.
  • To highlight key technological advancements in SPM imaging and ancillary techniques.
  • To showcase the diverse applications of SPM in contemporary scientific investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) development.
  • Discussion of imaging mode evolution, including contact and non-contact AFM.
  • Exploration of functional cantilever tip applications and emerging SPM techniques.

Main Results:

  • SPM, particularly AFM, has become an indispensable tool in biological research.
  • Advancements in non-contact modes and fast scanning have broadened SPM's utility.
  • AFM's sensitivity enables precise force measurements and biomolecular bond analysis.

Conclusions:

  • SPM techniques, including AFM, have significantly advanced biological research capabilities.
  • Ongoing development of SPM continues to expand its applications in molecular and cellular biology.
  • Emerging SPM methods promise further breakthroughs in understanding biological systems at the nanoscale.