News & Events

Santa Barbara, CA, September 12, 2001 — Digital Instruments, Veeco Metrology Group announces the release of application note "Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of Microbial Cells" for the biological sciences. This paper illustrates a convenient sample preparation procedure for AFM imaging of microbial cells in biologically relevant fluids and includes a series of recent examples to highlight the various applications of the technique in this field.

Understanding the structure, properties, and functions of microbial cells is of great significance for both fundamental and applied research in natural environments, medicine, and biotechnology. Specifically, atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows visualization of cell surface nanostructures and determines the changes of cell surface morphology during physiological processes. In addition, AFM also enables analysis of force-distance curves for complementary information on surface forces, adhesion, and nanomechanics. AFM yields new insight into the mechanisms of biological events such as cell adhesion and aggregation, proving to be a significant tool in microbiology and biophysics.

To review this paper, or order printed copies, please visit www.di.com under both the "Library" and "Literature" menus, or email lit-request@veeco.com for more information.

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