Atomic force microscopy and chemical force microscopy of microbial cells.
(2008) Nature Protocols (Online) : recipes for researchers — Vol. 3, n° 7, p. 1132-1138 (2008)
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- Abstract
- Over the past years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as a powerful tool for imaging the surface of microbial cells with nanometer resolution, and under physiological conditions. Moreover, chemical force microscopy (CFM) and single-molecule force spectroscopy have enabled researchers to map chemical groups and receptors on cell surfaces, providing valuable insight into their structure-function relationships. Here, we present protocols for analyzing spores of the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus using real-time AFM imaging and CFM. We emphasize the use of porous polymer membranes for immobilizing single live cells, and the modification of gold-coated tips with alkanethiols for CFM measurements. We also discuss recording conditions and data interpretation, and provide recommendations for reliable experiments. For well-trained AFM users, the entire protocol can be completed in 2-3 d.
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Citations
Dufrêne, Y. (2008). Atomic force microscopy and chemical force microscopy of microbial cells. Nature Protocols (Online) : recipes for researchers, 3(7), 1132-1138. https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.101 (Original work published 2008)