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Lipid-Protein Interactions pp 73–110Cite as

Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopy to Probe Single Membrane Proteins in Lipid Bilayers

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 974))

Abstract

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has opened vast avenues hitherto inaccessible to the biological scientist. The high temporal (millisecond) and spatial (nanometer) resolutions of the AFM are suited for studying many biological processes in their native conditions. The AFM cantilever stylus is aptly termed as a “lab on a tip” owing to its versatility as an imaging tool as well as a handle to manipulate single bonds and proteins. Recent examples assert that the AFM can be used to study the mechanical properties and monitor processes of single proteins and single cells, thus affording insight into important mechanistic details. This chapter specifically focuses on practical and analytical protocols of single-molecule AFM methodologies related to high-resolution imaging and single-molecule force spectroscopy of membrane proteins. Both these techniques are operator oriented, and require specialized working knowledge of the instrument, theoretical, and practical skills.

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Acknowledgments

KTS was supported by an independent Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship. KTS expresses gratitude to Prof. Daniel Müller and Dr. Stefania Mari for their invaluable input.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

    K. Tanuj Sapra

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  1. K. Tanuj Sapra
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Correspondence to K. Tanuj Sapra .

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  1. Institut für Biologie, Abteilung Biophysik, Universität Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, Kassel, 34132, Germany

    Jörg H. Kleinschmidt

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Sapra, K.T. (2013). Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopy to Probe Single Membrane Proteins in Lipid Bilayers. In: Kleinschmidt, J. (eds) Lipid-Protein Interactions. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 974. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-275-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-275-9_5

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-274-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-275-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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