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Striving for atomic resolution in biomolecular topography: The scanning force microscope (SFM)
Author(s) -
Schaper Achim,
Jovin Thomas M.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950181112
Subject(s) - scanning force microscopy , biomolecule , nanotechnology , atomic force microscopy , resolution (logic) , focus (optics) , microscopy , scanning probe microscopy , high resolution , materials science , computer science , optics , physics , remote sensing , geology , artificial intelligence
The invention in 1986 of scanning force microscopy (SFM) provided a new and powerful tool for the investigation of biological structures. SFM yields a three‐dimensional view at nanometer resolution of the surface topography associated with biological objects. The potential for imaging either macromolecules or biomolecules and cells under native (physiological) conditions is currently being exploited to obtain functional information at the molecular level. In addition, the forces involved in individual bimolecular interactions are being assessed under static and dynamic conditions. In this report we focus on the imaging capability of the SFM. The rather broad spectrum of applications represented is intended to orient the prospective user of biological SFM.