Imaging surface charges of individual biomolecules.
Surface charges play a key role in determining the structure and function of proteins, DNA, and larger biomolecular structures. Here we report on the measurement of the electrostatic surface potential of individual DNA and avidin molecules with nanometer resolution using Kelvin probe force microscopy. We also show, for the first time, the surface potential of buffer salts shielding individual DNA molecules, which would not be possible with conventional ensemble techniques.
Leung
Carl
C
Department of Mechanical Engineering, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, England. carl.lsc@gmail.com
Kinns
Helen
H
Hoogenboom
Bart W
BW
Howorka
Stefan
S
Mesquida
Patrick
P
D001360:Avidin / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D055672:Static Electricity; D013499:Surface Properties
D011506:Proteins; D001360:Avidin; D004247:DNA; D012825:Silicon