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Imaging DNA molecules on mica surface by atomic force microscopy in air and in liquid
Author(s) -
Liu Zhiguo,
Li Zhuang,
Zhou Hualan,
Wei Gang,
Song Yonghai,
Wang Li
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20156
Subject(s) - mica , atomic force microscopy , microscopy , nanotechnology , molecule , materials science , chemistry , biophysics , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemical engineering , environmental chemistry , optics , composite material , biology , physics , organic chemistry , engineering
DNA molecules immobilized on mica surface by various methods have been observed by atomic force microscopy both in air and in liquid. Divalent cations and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified mica surface have been used to immobilize the DNA molecules. Optimal DNA and divalent cations concentration for AFM imaging are presented. Among the different methods of modifying mica surface with APTES, the water solution modifying method appears to get the best results. When using high DNA concentration for AFM imaging, DNA networks can be formed. A simple method to extend long DNA molecules is demonstrated. The optimal imaging conditions and AFM operating techniques are discussed. Different DNA immobilizing methods have been compared and evaluated. Microsc. Res. Tech. 66:179–185, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.