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

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Introduction to Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in Biology.

Laurent Kreplak¹

¹Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

Current Protocols in Protein Science

|August 2, 2016

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images biological samples at molecular resolution in solution, enabling real-time studies of living cells and tissues. This technique analyzes surface topography, molecular forces, and mechanical properties, offering advantages over electron microscopy.

Keywords:

fluorescence microscopy force spectroscopy high speed scanning manipulation topography vibrational spectroscopy

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Nanotechnology
Microscopy

Background:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offers high-resolution imaging of biological samples.
Conventional imaging techniques like electron microscopy require fixed samples.
AFM allows imaging in physiological buffer solutions, preserving sample viability.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce the principles and applications of AFM for biological systems.
To highlight AFM's unique capabilities in imaging and force measurements.
To demonstrate AFM's utility in studying proteins, cells, and tissues.

Main Methods:

Utilizing AFM to obtain topographical images with nanometer- to angstrom-scale resolution.
Measuring forces between single molecules and mechanical properties of biological samples.
Conducting experiments in buffer solutions to maintain a physiological environment.

Main Results:

AFM provides detailed topographical data of biological surfaces.
The technique allows for the investigation of molecular interactions and mechanical properties.
Temporal changes in biological structures can be monitored in real-time.

Conclusions:

AFM is a powerful tool for high-resolution imaging and analysis of biological samples in a "living" state.
Its ability to perform measurements in buffer solution distinguishes it from other high-resolution techniques.
AFM facilitates the study of dynamic processes in proteins, cells, and tissues.