Exchangeable colloidal AFM probes for the quantification of irreversible and long-term interactions.

ABSTRACT: An original method is presented to study single-colloid interaction with a substrate in liquid environment. Colloids, either in solution or adsorbed on a surface, are fixed by suction against the aperture of a microchanneled atomic force microscopy cantilever. Their adhesion to the substrate is measured, followed by their release via a short overpressure surge. Such colloid exchange procedure allows for 1), the quick variation of differently functionalized colloids within the same experiment; 2), the investigation of long-term interactions by leaving the colloids on a surface for a defined time before detaching them; and 3), the inspection of irreversible interactions. After validation of the method by reproducing literature results obtained with traditional colloidal atomic force microsco

SUBMITTER: Dorig P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3714966 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature