High-speed AFM reveals the dynamics of single biomolecules at the nanometer scale

Cell. 2011 Nov 23;147(5):979-82. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.11.017.

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy allows visualization of biomolecules with nanometer resolution under physiological conditions. Recent advances have improved the time resolution of the technique from minutes to tens of milliseconds, meaning that it is now possible to watch single biomolecules in action in real time. Here, we review this development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / ultrastructure
  • Eukaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods