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AFM for biomolecular systems; a breakthrough in force sensitivity phase contrast and resolution

ReferenceB14781
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Mervyn Miles
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Bristol
DepartmentPhysics
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 260,696
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/04/2001
End date 01/04/2004
Duration36 months

Abstract

We have discovered a method of increasing the force sensitivity of the atomic force microscope by >100 times (<50pN) when imaging in tapping mode in liquids. The resulting topographic images are of strikingly higher resolution and deformation of specimens can be essentially eliminated. The phase image collected simultaneously with the topographic image also shows dramatically improved contrast and detail. The resolution of individual molecules is outstanding and the imaging of living cells is of significantly higher resolution and stability. There are major implications for force spectroscopy and for cantilever biosensors. The aim of this application is to use the new experimental technique to obtain new information on a wide range of biological systems, and in doing so refine it and its offshoots making them widely available to the scientific community.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Biomolecular Sciences (BMS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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