Research on double-probe, double- and triple-tip effects during atomic force microscopy scanning

Scanning. 2004 Jul-Aug;26(4):155-61. doi: 10.1002/sca.4950260402.

Abstract

Information obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) depends strongly on the kind of probe or tip used; therefore, probe and tip effects have to be taken into account when verifying or interpreting the data acquired. In many papers, double-tip effects have been mentioned while other research was done; however, there are only a few special reports on double- or triple-tip effects, especially double-probe effects. In our paper, metaphase chromosomes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, aggregates of pectin molecules, membrane surface of mouse embryonic stem cells, and R-phycoerythrin-conjugated immunoglobulin G complexes were imaged by AFM with high-quality probes, double-probe cantilever, and double-tip and triple-tip probes, respectively, in order to determine double-probe, double-tip, and triple-tip effects during AFM scanning. We found that the double-probe, double-tip, and triple-tip effects share the same principle, and that these effects correlate with distance and height differences between probes of double-probe cantilever or tips of double-tip or multiple-tip probes. Since many other factors influence double-probe or double-tip effects, more in-depth studies must be undertaken. However, this initial research will make all users of AFM techniques aware of double-probe and double-tip or triple-tip effects during AFM scanning and aid in verifying or interpreting the data acquired.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure
  • Cricetinae
  • Immunoconjugates / ultrastructure
  • Immunoglobulin G / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin G / ultrastructure
  • Metaphase
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods
  • Pectins / ultrastructure
  • Phycoerythrin / chemistry
  • Phycoerythrin / ultrastructure
  • Stem Cells / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Immunoconjugates
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Phycoerythrin
  • Pectins