Method for Measuring Intramolecular Forces by Atomic Force Microscopy.
Abstract
A method is disclosed for measuring intramolecular forces within a sample compound by providing an atomic force microscope that includes a sample support member and a cantilever. The sample support member has a plurality of protrusions, and each protrusion has an apical substrate region that has been chemically modified to have a sample compound immobilized thereon. The cantilever has a fixed end and a free end, the free end having a surface region that has been chemically modified to have a grasping compound immobilized thereon. To measure intramolecular forces within the sample compound, the relative position and orientation of the cantilever and the sample support member are controlled to select a particular protrusion and to allow a molecule of the grasping compound to bind with a molecule of the sample compound. Then, the relative position and orientation of the cantilever and the sample support member are controlled to vary the distance between the cantilever and the sample support member so that the forces exerted on the cantilever as the distance between the cantilever and the sample support member is varied and as the molecule of the sample compound is stretched between the cantilever and the sample support member can be measured.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADD019270
Entities
People
- Alexey Novoradovsky
- Gil U Lee
- John-bruce D. Green
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy