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New methods for depositing and imaging molecules in scanning tunneling microscopy
V N Morozov1, N C Seeman, N R Kallenbach
1W.M. Keck Foundation Laboratories for Biomolecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY 10003.
Scanning Microscopy
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study introduces cost-effective, rapid methods for depositing and imaging molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under an inert atmosphere. These techniques enable detailed visualization of organic and biopolymer structures, including individual protein molecules.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a powerful tool for nanoscale imaging.
- Existing methods for molecule deposition and imaging often require expensive or time-consuming high-vacuum or glove-box conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate inexpensive, convenient, and rapid methods for depositing and imaging molecules using STM.
- To investigate the feasibility of these methods for various organic and biopolymer molecules on different substrates.
Main Methods:
- Molecule deposition via equilibrium adsorption from vapor phase, sublimation, and electrospraying.
- Imaging of deposited molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under an inert atmosphere.
- Substrate preparation including epitaxially grown gold (111) on mica and graphite.
Main Results:
- Successful deposition and imaging of diverse organic and biopolymer molecules on graphite and gold surfaces.
- Formation of two-dimensional crystalline adlayers of small organic molecules on gold via hydrogen bonding.
- High-resolution imaging of individual protein molecules, with dimensions comparable to X-ray analysis and observed internal structure in metallothionein.
Conclusions:
- The described STM methods offer significant advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and speed compared to traditional approaches.
- These techniques are effective for visualizing molecular structures, including the internal domains of proteins.
- The methods provide a valuable platform for nanoscale characterization of molecular assemblies.