Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) / Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM)

AFM and STM are high-resolution microscopes that belong to a family of Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs). In AFM, a small probe scans the surface of interest to generate images down to the nanoscale. The probe, which can be chemically derivatised or biologically functionalised, can also interact with surfaces to provide information on adhesion, surface energy, indentation, stiffness and friction.

Our SPM instrument is a Bruker (Digital Instruments) MultiMode/Nanoscope IV, encompassing TappingMode/Contact Mode; Force Spectroscopy, Chemical Force Microscopy (CFM), Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM), Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM). It has been used in many projects, including studies of DNA-protein conformations, protein-protein binding, nanoindentation of cells and local physical property mapping.  The microscope is located in a purpose-designed Microscopy Suite.

Contact: Dr James Smith