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Taking Correlative Microscopy on Opaque Samples to the Next Level with BioMAT

Learn how AFM and upright optical microscopy can be combined with unrivaled flexibility


KEYWORDS:
AFM; Biomaterial; BioMAT; Upright Optical Microscopy; Correlative Microscopy; Opaque Samples; DirectOverlay; Optical Integration; Living Cells; J-aggregates; Bacteriorhodopsin

The BioMAT biomaterials workstation creates new opportunities for research and discovery using non-transparent samples. Featuring a unique design that combines the specific advantages of both upright optical microscopy and AFM, BioMAT delivers outstanding flexibility and allows precise correlation of almost all upright microscopy techniques (DIC, brightfield, fluorescence, confocal laser scanning, FLIM, FRET, FRAP, FCS, IR, Raman) and AFM images on historically challenging or impossible opaque samples.

This technical note outlines how the BioMAT workstation combines upright optical microscopy with AFM and how researchers can harness its unique correlative microscopy capabilities to study a variety of non-transparent samples. Example applications explored range from the study of bacterial growth on metallic surfaces to fluorescent polymers and the surface chemistry of samples.

Readers can expect to learn about:

  • The main challenges limiting correlative microscopy on non-transparent samples and how the BioMAT's unique design overcomes these barriers;
  • How correlative microscopy can be used to study non-transparent samples;
  • Key BioMAT components and features, like DirectOverlay for integrating and synchronizing optical images with AFM measurements; and
  • Environmental control options enabling its use in applications ranging from biochips and patterned substrates to cell adhesion, microbiology, and tissue engineering.