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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Contact Mode Atomic Force Microscopy as a Rapid Technique for Morphological Observation and Bacterial Cell Damage Analysis
05:34

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

Published on: June 30, 2023

Microbial cells analysis by atomic force microscopy.

David Alsteens1

  • 1Institute of Condensed Matter & Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.

Methods in Enzymology
|February 21, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images the ultrastructure of live microbial cells, offering insights into cell growth, division, and drug responses. Sample preparation for AFM remains a challenge due to microbial diversity, but the technique provides high-resolution imaging of living microbes.

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Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells
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Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells

Published on: April 2, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Contact Mode Atomic Force Microscopy as a Rapid Technique for Morphological Observation and Bacterial Cell Damage Analysis
05:34

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

Published on: June 30, 2023

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Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells
09:27

Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells

Published on: April 2, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Biomedicine

Background:

  • Understanding microbial cell structure is crucial for microbiology and biomedicine.
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique for imaging live cell surfaces.
  • AFM enables real-time observation of dynamic cellular processes and responses to external agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce methods for preparing microbial samples for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
  • To discuss strategies for immobilizing diverse microorganisms for AFM analysis.
  • To highlight the potential of AFM in exploring microbial cell organization and dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed sample preparation techniques for microbial analysis using AFM.
  • Physical entrapment and chemical attachment methods for immobilizing microorganisms.
  • High-resolution imaging of live microbial cells under physiological conditions.

Main Results:

  • Successful strategies for immobilizing a wide range of microorganisms were described.
  • AFM allows visualization of microbial surface ultrastructure with unprecedented resolution.
  • The study demonstrates AFM's capability to observe dynamic processes in living microbes.

Conclusions:

  • AFM is a valuable tool for studying microbial cell organization and dynamics.
  • Effective sample preparation is critical for overcoming limitations in AFM application to microbiology.
  • AFM offers significant potential for advancing research in microbiology and biomedicine.