hide
Free keywords:
Atomic force microscope; Surface forces; Avidin coating; Purple membrane; Halobacterium; DLVO
Abstract:
Surface forces determine the behaviour and properties of colloids, including biological molecules, micelles and membranes. Recently it has been realized that the atomic force microscope, which is normally used to image the topography of surfaces with high resolution, can also be used to measure surface forces. The advantages of the atomic force microscope are that virtually any surface of interest can be investigated and that measurements are relatively fast and easy to perform. Furthermore, since the interacting areas are small (typically 102–1002 nm2) samples only need to be smooth and homogeneous on a small scale. Local surface properties, like the surface charge density or micromechemical properties, can be determined.
