Abstract

The scanning force microscope (SFM), respectively scanning force spectroscopy (SFS) are powerful tools for investigating the interaction of biological molecules and organisms with surfaces. The Fluid-FM addon gives access to many new applications like sucking biological cells or spotting liquids, all under imaging conditions and force control. In this contribution, our emphasis will be given to applications of the Fluid-FM in the field of biomaterials and nanobiotechnology. These include single-cell adhesion measurements [1, 2]. Especially the bacterial cell immobilization on the tip will be compared to a traditional chemical immobilization method. In addition, adhesion measurements of environmentally relevant nanoparticles will be presented. Here, the focus lies on the aspiration and immobilization of optically invisible particles. Nano Spotting of viruses is another application that will be presented [3-5]. Parameters of the solution and the viruses themselves do not only determine the droplet formation and virus attachment to the surface but, together with the properties of the ambient like humidity and temperature, the movement of the particles during the drying process. Here, the Marangoni effect and the Deegan flow together with the other parameters, define whether a coffee ring pattern with or without a central dot or a uniform distribution of the nanoparticles is observed. Last but not least, the type of FluidFM probe used and herewith the geometry of the contact between aperture and substrate play an important role.

References

[1] N. Davoudi et al. Biointerphases, 2017, 12, 05G606.

[2] L. Hofherr et al. Physica Status Solidi A, 2018, 1700846.

[3] A. Lüders et al. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2012, 91, 154.

[4] V. Rink et al. Biointerphases, 2017, 12, 04E402.

[5] C. Müller-Renno et al. Physica Status Solidi A, 2021, 2018(18), 210025

Affiliation