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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...

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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: Apr 30, 2026

Remote Magnetic Actuation of Micrometric Probes for in situ 3D Mapping of Bacterial Biofilm Physical Properties

Remote Magnetic Actuation of Micrometric Probes for in situ 3D Mapping of Bacterial Biofilm Physical Properties

Published on: May 2, 2014

Atomic force microscopy in biofilm study.

Susmita Chatterjee¹, Nupur Biswas², Alokmay Datta³

¹Department of Microbiology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244 AJC Bose Road, Kolkata 700 020, India.

Microscopy (Oxford, England)

|May 6, 2014

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers a simpler alternative to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for visualizing bacterial biofilms. This study highlights AFM

Keywords:

atomic force microscopy biofilm height distributions surface characterization

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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

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Surface Science
Microscopy

Background:

Classical visualization of bacterial biofilms relies on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which involves complex procedures.
Routine biofilm examination requires simpler, more accessible imaging techniques, especially under ambient conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To present the advantages of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for studying bacterial biofilm surfaces.
To investigate biofilm characteristics of different bacterial species and the impact of aging and antibiotics using AFM.

Main Methods:

Utilized Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to obtain height images of biofilms.
Examined biofilms of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Nocardia brasiliensis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Assessed biofilm aging effects and responses to varying doses of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.

Main Results:

AFM provided detailed surface topography of biofilms under ambient conditions.
Distinctive features were observed in biofilm structures of S. aureus, N. brasiliensis, and P. aeruginosa.
Ageing effects on Nocardia spp. biofilms and dose-dependent antibiotic effects on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms were visualized.

Conclusions:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a valuable technique for routine biofilm surface analysis under ambient conditions.
AFM offers unique insights into biofilm structure, development, and response to antimicrobial treatments.
This method overcomes the limitations of traditional SEM for biofilm visualization.