Recent progress with atomic-force microscopy in biology: molecular resolution imaging of cell membranes, constituent biomolecules, and microcrystals

1 August 1992

proceedings article
Published by SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng

Vol. 1778, 112-117
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130966

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) holds great promise for biological research in that it permits: (1) the imaging of membranes and biomolecules of interest with subnanometer resolution in a physiologic environment and (2) the physical manipulation of biomolecules at nanometer scale (nanotechnology). We summarize our recent successful experience with the molecular resolution of hepatic and cardiac gap junctions, porin channels, and organic microcrystals; and with the physical manipulation of gap junction membranes using the AFM cantilever. AFM may revolutionize our approach to the study of structure-activity and perhaps structure- function in many areas of biological research.

Keywords

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