Direct visualization and identification of biofunctionalized nanoparticles using a magnetic atomic force microscope

Nano Lett. 2011 Sep 14;11(9):3587-92. doi: 10.1021/nl201312w. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Abstract

Because of its outstanding ability to image and manipulate single molecules, atomic force microscopy (AFM) established itself as a fundamental technique in nanobiotechnology. (1) We present a new modality that distinguishes single nanoparticles by the surrounding magnetic field gradient. Diamagnetic gold and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles become discernible under ambient conditions. Images of proteins, magnetolabeled with nanoparticles, demonstrate the first steps toward a magnetic analogue to fluorescence microscopy, which combines nanoscale lateral resolution of AFM with unambiguous detection of magnetic markers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Biotinylation
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Magnetics
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Proteins
  • ferric oxide
  • Gold