AFM, a tool for single-molecule experiments

In situ multi-level analysis of viscoelastic deformation mechanisms in tendon collagen

“…During rapid loading/unloading, as occurring in sports injuries and accidents, intra-fibrillar sliding and damage was observed just prior to macroscopic rupture (Knorzer et al, 1986). Single molecule pulling experiments using atomic force microscopy (Ludwig et al, 1999;Thompson et al, 2001) have suggested the presence of ''sacrificial bonds", or weak, reversible bonds between folded domains of ''hidden length" within collagen molecules (Thompson et al, 2001). At this molecular level, a sliding-filament model for the proteoglycans was proposed as essential for the integrity of tissue shape (Scott, 2003), and simulated experimentally (Vesentini et al, 2005).…”

A review of atomic force microscopy imaging systems: application to molecular metrology and biological sciences

“…In single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) experiments, individual polymers are stretched and forced through conformational transitions in order to reveal unique material properties. While SMFS experiments have been widely used to mechanically probe DNA [15,45,60,108,114], polysaccharides [63,66,90,91], proteins [60,91], and other polymers [84], very few studies have examined the mechanical properties of biopolymers on a cellular surface [19,33]. In addition, it is only recently that SMFS techniques have been used to provide quantitative chemical information [66,67].…”

Scanning-force techniques to monitor time-dependent changes in topography and adhesion force of proteins on surfaces

“…By modification of the SFM tip it is possible to investigate a wide range of interactions including those of proteins in contact with medically relevant surfaces. Specific interactions like biotin-avidin have been investigated widely [11,12,13,14], but in the field of biofilm formation unspecific interactions between proteins and surfaces are dominating. The strength and especially the time dependence of this molecular interaction has been characterized until now on model surfaces mostly modified with self-assembled monolayers [15,16].…”