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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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Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging and Force Spectroscopy of Supported Lipid Bilayers

Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging and Force Spectroscopy of Supported Lipid Bilayers

Published on: July 22, 2015

Lateral force separation of biopolymers using an atomic force microscope.

Mark S Anderson¹

¹Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, M/S 125-109, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.

Biomicrofluidics

|May 30, 2023

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) laterally separates long biomolecules from nanofluidic solutions. This technique, LFS-AFM, detects single protein and DNA strands, enabling new biochemical analysis applications.

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Last Updated: Jul 28, 2025

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Nanotechnology
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Separating and analyzing long chain biomolecules like proteins and DNA is crucial for understanding biological processes.
Current methods may lack the resolution or specificity for single-molecule analysis in complex environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate a novel method for the lateral force separation of long chain biomolecules using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
To validate the technique's effectiveness on both protein and synthetic DNA molecules.
To explore potential applications in biochemical analysis and life detection.

Main Methods:

Utilizing an atomic force microscope (AFM) with a specialized tip to pull biomolecules from the edge of a nanofluidic solution.
Monitoring the torsion on the AFM cantilever to generate force-distance signals.
Applying the lateral force separation using AFM (LFS-AFM) technique to egg albumin proteins and synthetic DNA strands.

Main Results:

Characteristic force-distance signals were observed, indicating successful lateral separation and detachment of long chain molecules.
The measured lengths of egg albumin proteins and DNA strands were consistent with their calculated molecular contour lengths.
Demonstrated the capability of LFS-AFM to separate and detect individual polymer strands.

Conclusions:

Lateral force separation using AFM (LFS-AFM) is a viable method for isolating and analyzing single long chain biomolecules.
The technique shows promise for applications in diverse fields including biochemical analysis, paleontology, and extraterrestrial life detection.