Combined scanning probe and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.
Combining scanning probe and optical microscopy represents a powerful approach for investigating structure-function relationships and dynamics of biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies, often in situ and in real-time. This platform technology allows us to obtain three-dimensional images of individual molecules with nanometer resolution, while simultaneously characterizing their structure and interactions though complementary techniques such as optical microscopy and spectroscopy. We describe herein the practical strategies for the coupling of scanning probe and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy along with challenges and the potential applications of such platforms, with a particular focus on their application to the study of biomolecular interactions at membrane surfaces.
Oreopoulos
John
J
Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, Ont., Canada M5S 3E1.
Yip
Christopher M
CM
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020527:Microscopy, Scanning Probe / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D025941:Protein Interaction Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008565:Membrane Proteins