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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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Multifunctional hydrogel nano-probes for atomic force microscopy.

Jae Seol Lee¹, Jungki Song¹, Seong Oh Kim²

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro (Sinsu-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, South Korea.

Nature Communications

|May 21, 2016

Summary

Researchers developed novel photopolymerizable hydrogel nano-probes for atomic force microscopy (AFM). These soft matter transducers offer programmable functions and a faster, affordable manufacturing process for nanotechnology applications.

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Published on: June 16, 2022

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Sub-nanometer Resolution Imaging with Amplitude-modulation Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid

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Published on: December 20, 2016

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Biophysics

Background:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) relies on force-sensing probes, typically silicon-based, fabricated using established microfabrication methods.
Despite decades of AFM advancements, the fundamental design of its key actuating element, the probe, has seen limited innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a new class of hydrogel nano-probes for AFM applications.
To demonstrate the potential of soft matter in developing advanced nanotechnology tools.

Main Methods:

Utilized bottom-up fabrication with compressible replica moulding to create photopolymerizable hydrogel nano-probes.
Explored the encapsulation of various nanomaterials within the hydrogel matrix.

Main Results:

Hydrogel probes exhibited excellent performance in AFM imaging and force measurements.
Demonstrated programmable, multifunctional capabilities through adjustable mechanical properties.
Showcased a simple, fast, and affordable manufacturing route for hydrogel AFM nano-probes.

Conclusions:

Hydrogel nano-probes represent a significant advancement over traditional silicon probes for AFM.
The developed fabrication method is versatile and can be extended to create hydrogel cantilevers and parallel sensor arrays.
Soft matter mechanical transducers hold substantial promise for future nanotechnology applications.