Atomic force microscopy-coupled microcoils for cellular-scale nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) provides high-resolution topographical and mechanical data.
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) offers detailed chemical and structural information.
• Integrating AFM and NMR presents a challenge due to differing operational requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a hybrid AFM-NMR system for comprehensive biological sample analysis.
• To fabricate and test radiofrequency planar microcoils integrated onto AFM cantilevers.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous topographical, mechanical, and chemical profiling.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of radiofrequency planar microcoils on commercial AFM cantilevers.
• Integration of microcoils with AFM for simultaneous measurements.
• Proof-of-concept testing using deionized water to detect 1H resonance.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication and testing of integrated AFM-NMR microcoils.
• Estimation of the coil's sensitive region volume at approximately 19.4 pL.
• Detection of 1H NMR resonance in deionized water, validating spectroscopic functionality.

Conclusions:

• The developed prototype demonstrates the potential for combined AFM and NMR analysis.
• This integrated approach enables topographical, mechanical, and chemical profiling of biological samples.
• The technology may advance biophysical and biochemical studies at the single-cell level.