Scanning force microscopy based rapid force curve acquisition on supported lipid bilayers: experiments and simulations using pulsed force mode.
In situ pulsed force mode scanning force microscopy (PFM-SFM) images of phase separated solid-supported lipid bilayers are discussed with the help of computer simulations. Simultaneous imaging of material properties and topography in a liquid environment by means of PFM-SFM is severely hampered by hydrodynamic damping of the cantilever. Stiffness and adhesion images of solid-supported membranes consisting of cholesterol, sphingomyelin, and 1,2-dioleyl-phosphatidylcholine obtained in aqueous solution exhibit contrast inversion of adhesion and stiff. ness images depending on parameters such as driving frequency, amplitude, and trigger setting. Simulations using a simple harmonic oscillator model explain experimental findings and give a deeper insight into the way PFM-SFM experiments have to be performed in order to obtain interpretable results and hence pave the way for reliable material contrast imaging at high speed.
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Mainz, Germany.
Stephanie
S
Krüger
Daniel
D
Krüger
Andreas
A
Janshoff
D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000737:chemistry; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000737:chemistry
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013109:Sphingomyelins; D002784:Cholesterol; C017251:1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine