Scanning Kelvin nanoprobe detection in materials science and biochemical analysis.
The Kelvin nanoprobe is an extremely sensitive instrument capable of discerning subtle molecular interactions using vibrating electromagnetic and acoustic fields. It is based on the measurement of a fundamental material property, the work function. Modulation of this substrate parameter is caused by the adsorption or desorption of molecules, oxidation, corrosion, contamination, mechanical stress, illumination, temperature changes, electrostatic charging, surface treatment, attached dipolar structures and/or the immobilization of biomolecules. The present article explains the general principles of the method and offers an indication of the wide range of possible applications, with an emphasis on potential use in the biotechnological arena.
Cheran
Larisa-Emilia
LE
Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6.
Sadeghi
Saman
S
Thompson
Michael
M
D001671:Biochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D013499:Surface Properties
D008670:Metals