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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope

Published on: February 28, 2019

Single-Molecule Measurements Using Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS).

Douwe Kamsma^1,2, Gijs J L Wuite^3,4

¹Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|September 24, 2017

Summary

Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) offers a simple, compact method for high-throughput single-molecule studies. This guide details setting up, performing, and analyzing AFS measurements for robust biological interaction analysis.

Keywords:

Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS)DNA tethering Molecular biophysics Multiplexed single-molecule method

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Last Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope

Published on: February 28, 2019

Investigating Single Molecule Adhesion by Atomic Force Spectroscopy

Investigating Single Molecule Adhesion by Atomic Force Spectroscopy

Published on: February 27, 2015

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy

Published on: December 20, 2013

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Background:

Single-molecule force spectroscopy is crucial for understanding biological molecule interactions.
Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) is an emerging technique utilizing acoustic standing waves for single-molecule analysis.
AFS offers high throughput and a broad range of force application capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a detailed guide on setting up, performing, and analyzing Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) measurements.
To enable researchers to conduct high-quality single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments using AFS.
To highlight the simplicity and compactness of the AFS experimental setup.

Main Methods:

Detailed description of the AFS experimental setup.
Step-by-step protocol for performing AFS measurements.
Methodology for analyzing AFS data for single-molecule interactions.

Main Results:

Demonstration of high experimental throughput with parallel manipulation and tracking of numerous single molecules.
Characterization of the wide range of forces and force loading rates achievable with AFS.
Validation of the simplicity and compactness of the AFS setup.

Conclusions:

AFS is a powerful and accessible technique for single-molecule force spectroscopy.
This guide facilitates the adoption and optimization of AFS for studying biological molecular interactions.
High-quality AFS measurements can be achieved with careful attention to setup, execution, and analysis.