Research on double-probe, double- and triple-tip effects during atomic force microscopy scanning.
Information obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) depends strongly on the kind of probe or tip used; therefore, probe and tip effects have to be taken into account when verifying or interpreting the data acquired. In many papers, double-tip effects have been mentioned while other research was done; however, there are only a few special reports on double- or triple-tip effects, especially double-probe effects. In our paper, metaphase chromosomes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, aggregates of pectin molecules, membrane surface of mouse embryonic stem cells, and R-phycoerythrin-conjugated immunoglobulin G complexes were imaged by AFM with high-quality probes, double-probe cantilever, and double-tip and triple-tip probes, respectively, in order to determine double-probe, double-tip, and triple-tip effects during AFM scanning. We found that the double-probe, double-tip, and triple-tip effects share the same principle, and that these effects correlate with distance and height differences between probes of double-probe cantilever or tips of double-tip or multiple-tip probes. Since many other factors influence double-probe or double-tip effects, more in-depth studies must be undertaken. However, this initial research will make all users of AFM techniques aware of double-probe and double-tip or triple-tip effects during AFM scanning and aid in verifying or interpreting the data acquired.
Chen
Yong
Y
Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. of China. dr_yongchen@hotmail.com
Cai
Jiye
J
Liu
Meili
M
Zeng
Gucheng
G
Feng
Qian
Q
Chen
Zhengwei
Z
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006224:Cricetinae; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008677:Metaphase; D051379:Mice; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010368:Pectins / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010799:Phycoerythrin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure
D018796:Immunoconjugates; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010799:Phycoerythrin; D010368:Pectins