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Atomic force microscopy‐based force spectroscopy — biological and biomedical applications
Author(s) -
Carvalho Filomena A.,
Santos Nuno C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
iubmb life
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.132
H-Index - 113
eISSN - 1521-6551
pISSN - 1521-6543
DOI - 10.1002/iub.1037
Subject(s) - force spectroscopy , atomic force microscopy , molecule , characterization (materials science) , intramolecular force , nanotechnology , resolution (logic) , chemistry , spectroscopy , microscopy , biophysics , biological system , materials science , computer science , physics , biology , artificial intelligence , stereochemistry , optics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) applied to biological systems to generate high resolution images is gaining a wider acceptance. However, the most remarkable advances are being achieved on the use of the AFM to measure inter‐ and intramolecular interaction forces with piconewton resolution, not only to demonstrate this ability but also actually to solve biological and biomedical relevant questions. Single‐molecule force spectroscopy recognition studies enable the detection of specific interaction forces, based on the AFM sensitivity and the possibility of manipulating individual molecules. In this review, we describe the basic principles of this methodology and some of the practical aspects involved. The ability to measure interactions at the single‐molecule level is illustrated by some relevant examples. A special focus is given to the study of the fibrinogen–erythrocyte binding and its relevance as a cardiovascular risk factor. An approach to the latter problem by single‐molecule force spectroscopy allowed the molecular recognition, characterization, and partial identification of a previously unknown receptor for fibrinogen on human erythrocytes. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012