Atomic Force Microscopy for Biological Research

Atomic Force Microscopy in Biology

Bruker’s BioAFMs allow life science and biophysics researchers to further their research aims in the fields of mechano-biology, high resolution imaging of biological features and investigating molecular and cell dynamics.

Our new BioScope Resolve AFM provides the researcher with a wide range of force measurement techniques that provide unique capabilities such as high resolution imaging, investigation of visco-elestic properties, synchronization with optical microscopy data, imaged in situ on delicate biological structures in a physiologically relevant state.

BioAFM Applications

Cell Mechanical Properties

Brukers BioAFM products enable researchers to study the structural and mechanical properties of live cells under near-native conditions, which is important to understanding how their structure relates to function. Read More

Molecular Imaging

The FastScan BioAFM provides sub-molecular resolution biological AFM imaging while scanning at speeds 100 times faster than a typical BioAFM. The atomic resolution capabilities of FastScan BioAFM are demonstrated in this image of Bacteriorhodopsin trimer structure. The image shows raw data from one single image, not the result of multiple image averaging which is typically performed with other high-resolution imaging AFMs. Sample courtesy of D. Meuller, ETH D-BSSE, Basel. Read More

Molecular Recognition

PeakForce-QNM can be used to map cell stiffness, but it can also provide high-resolution 2D maps of the adhesive interactions between the AFM probe and a surface. One can obtain a PeakForce-QNM adhesion map by attaching a protein or small molecule to the end of the AFM probe which maps a surface containing a complementary binding partner that specifically interacts with the molecule on the tip. The resulting data represents a map of specific molecular binding interactions – or a molecular recognition map. Read More

Molecular Force Spectroscopy

Protein folding is the process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape or conformation. It is the physical manner by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three-dimensional structure from a random coil. Using Bruker’s BioScope Resolve in combination with MLCT Bio probes, allows researchers to study this protein folding and unfolding to better understand its structure and function. Shown here is a force curve corresponding to the unfolding transition events of the protein Titin using BioScope Resolve AFM and MLCT Bio probes.

Bio Dynamics

With recent advances in high-speed AFM imaging such as those enabled by Bruker’s Dimension FastScan Bio AFM, where images are now obtained in a matter of seconds, we have successfully begun to apply AFM imaging to investigate the mechanics of cell migration. Read More

Cell Imaging

PeakForce Tapping provides the lowest force measurement available in a biological AFMs which preserving the integrity of soft, biological samples during imaging. The precise force control of PeakForce Tapping allows the resolution of very soft, flexible living cell structures that are easily deformed by lateral dragging methods. Read More

Biomechanics

Only Bruker’s exclusive techniques, PeakForce QNM and FASTForce Volume, combine to provide the widest range of ramp frequencies and the most quantitative property mapping for biological samples. Additionally, higher imaging speeds and automated measurement capabilities, provide more data in less time, leading to faster time to publication. Read More

Bruker's BioAFM Microscopes

As the leading AFM manufacturer we offer AFM solutions for all applications. Browse the largest suite of atomic force microscopes available today. click here

Below are our most popular bioAFM systems:

NEW! BioScope Resolve

Unrivalled BioAFM for Biomechanics and Highest Resolution Imaging
Providing new insights into mechanobiology research

FastScan Bio

Capturing Biological Dynamics with Ease
Fast scan speeds and superior AFM ease of use for life science

MultiMode 8

Industry-Standard AFM for High Resolution Biological Imaging
Sub-nanometer quantitative mechano-biology resolution

PeakForce Tapping for Bio Applications

Bruker’s PeakForce Tapping technology provides robust, repeatable mechanical properties of biological samples and the highest imaging resolution of biological samples. This allows a cell biologist new to the technology to confidently start making measurements within a day.

By routinely providing the highest resolution AFM imaging and broad range of force measurement capabilities, our PeakForce Tapping mode has seen a rapid adoption for studying biological samples in the field of cell and molecular mechanics, force spectroscopy, molecular recognition and high resolution molecular and cell dynamics.

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Current Application Note:

• Imaging of the DNA Double Helix with PeakForce Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy - AN-142 1.5MB

Recent advances in AFM have made the study of DNA structures more achievable. In particular, Bruker’s exclusive PeakForce Tapping® technology has enabled routine high-resolution imaging of the DNA double helix at quantifiable imaging forces, without the need for specialized probes or restrictive AFM designs.