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Atomic Force Microscopy of Isolated Nanostructures: Biomolecular Imaging in Hydrated Environments – Status and Future Prospects

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Scanning Probe Microscopy in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 3

Part of the book series: NanoScience and Technology ((NANO))

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Abstract

The use of the atomic force microscope (AFM) in ambient conditions has some key advantages for characterising isolated nanostructures over other operating environments. The lack of a bulk liquid environment minimises motion of the sample to maximise resolution, while humidity control allows retention of surface water, keeping biomolecules sufficiently hydrated. The use of relatively stiff cantilevers in air (k > 10 N/m) prevents significant energy being transferred to higher modes or frequencies. This enables reliable modelling of the cantilever dynamics with relatively straightforward point mass and spring models. We show herein that combining modelling with experiment leads to robust interpretation of dynamic AFM in air. This understanding has led to new ways of operation, including a true non-contact mode in ambient and small amplitude small set-point (SASS) modes. These modes will be important to gain quantitative information about structure and processes on the nanoscale. We also discuss interpretation of height information obtained from AFM on the nanoscale and summarise a framework for recovery of apparent height loss for nanostructures. A combination of these methods will lead to a new era of quantitative AFM for nanoscience and nanotechnology.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Matteo Chiesa and Marco Stefancich (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology) for their comments when developing this work and Maritsa Kissamitaki for helping with the artwork. We would also like to thank Dr. David Adams, Dr. Simon Connell and Dr. Toby Kurk for their contribution to this work (Oscillatoria A2 cyanobacterium, Fig. 5.12).

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  1. Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

    Sergio Santos & Neil H. Thomson

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  1. Sergio Santos
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  2. Neil H. Thomson
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  1. , Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- &, Ohio State University, West 19th Avenue 201, Columbus, 43210-1142, Ohio, USA

    Bharat Bhushan

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Santos, S., Thomson, N.H. (2012). Atomic Force Microscopy of Isolated Nanostructures: Biomolecular Imaging in Hydrated Environments – Status and Future Prospects. In: Bhushan, B. (eds) Scanning Probe Microscopy in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 3. NanoScience and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25414-7_5

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