Abstract
In this paper, a new approach is demonstrated to measure the compression elasticity of single biomolecule in small force regime (<0.5 nN) using vibrating mode scanning polarization force microscopy (VSPFM). With this method we investigate the compression elasticity of a single DNA molecule in the radial direction (perpendicular to DNA strands). The radial deformation of DNA molecules deposited on mica surface is shown to be able to reach about 50% under external load, and this remarkable deformation is reversible. In addition, the compression spring constant of DNA molecules is estimated to be about 0.6 nN/nm according to the height-force curves.
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Xingfei, Z., Hongjie, A., Yunchang, G. et al. Direct measurement of compression spring constant of single DNA molecule with AFM. Chin.Sci.Bull. 50, 954–957 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1360/982005-161
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1360/982005-161