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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/23090
- Title
- Applications of atomic force microscopy in topographic imaging
- Author(s)
- Mitik-Dineva, Natasa; Stoddart, Paul R.
- Abstract
- The atomic force microscope (AFM) has rapidly emerged as an important tool for nanometer scale imaging of biological structures. The AFM offers high resolution, versatility and relative ease of operation: it can be used to image the topology of a wide range of samples and to explore or even modify the physical properties of sample surfaces. The ability to operate under liquid allows tapping-mode AFM to image delicate cell structures in their native environment. Structural changes can be monitored over time as the cells grow or interact with their environment. Although the instrumentation is now relatively mature, new applications continue to emerge. Therefore the aim of this chapter is to give the reader an overview of AFM applications in bacteriology, with a particular focus on some of the notable topographic studies that have been reported. These results have made an important contribution to improving our understanding of the structure and function of a variety of cell surfaces and extracellular macromolecules, as well as the changes that occur upon cell-surface interactions. Despite the notable successes of the technique, it remains subject to some limitations, mainly relating to difficulties in sample preparation and in optimizing the imaging conditions. There remains considerable scope for further improvements to be made in this regard.
- Publication type
- Book chapter
- Research centre
- Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
- Research centre
- Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences. Centre for Atom Optics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy
- Source
- Nanoscale structure and properties of microbial cell surfaces / Elena P. Ivanova (ed.), Chapter 3, pp. 97-110
- Publication year
- 2006
- Keyword(s)
- AFM; Atomic force microscope; Bacterial cell surfaces; Bacteriology; Extracellular macromolecules; Instrumentation; Microscopy; Nanometer scale imaging; Topographic studies
- Publisher
- Nova Science
- ISBN
- 9781600212420, 1600212425
- Publisher URL
- https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4517
- Publisher URL
- http://books.google.com/books?id=Nq4oAAAAYAAJ
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2007 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
- Peer reviewed
