Force curves in scanning probe microscopy

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Abstract

Force curves in atomic force microscopy (AFM) display the interaction between a cantilever and a sample. These curves are essential for understanding various material properties and interactions at the nanoscale, for studying elasticity, stiffness, and adhesive properties of biological samples. Force curves are used to study molecular interactions such as bond breaking and polymer stretching. Force mapping or volumetric maps of the distribution of force curves help reconstruct the spatial distribution of mechanical properties.

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About the authors

A. I. Akhmetova

Lomonosov Moscow State University; Advanced Technologies Center

Email: yaminsky@nanoscopy.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5115-8030

Cand. of Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Senior Researcher, Leading Specialist

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

E. V. Dubrovin

Lomonosov Moscow State University

Email: yaminsky@nanoscopy.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8883-5966

Doct. of Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Leading Researcher

Russian Federation, Moscow

I. V. Yaminsky

Lomonosov Moscow State University; Advanced Technologies Center

Author for correspondence.
Email: yaminsky@nanoscopy.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8731-3947

Doct. of Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Prof., Director

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

References

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  4. Bolshakova A.V., Kiseleva O.I., Nikonorova N.I., Yaminsky I.V. Chapter Scanning probe microscopy of block copolymers in Collection of laboratory works. Practical training in scanning probe microscopy. Moscow: Advanced Technologies Center, 2009, 143 p.
  5. Gaboriaud F., Dufrêne Y.F. Atomic force microscopy of microbial cells: application to nanomechanical properties, surface forces and molecular recognition forces. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2007. Vol. 15. No. 54(1). PP. 10–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2006.09.014
  6. Dinarelli S., Girasole M., Longo G. FC_analysis: a tool for investigating atomic force microscopy maps of force curves. BMC Bioinformatics. 2018. Vol. 6. No. 19(1). P. 258. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-018-2265-4

Supplementary files

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2. Fig.1. Force curve. Red line is “approach”, green line is “retract” from the sample surface

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3. Fig.2. Result of displaying the elastic properties of the specimen: general representation (top left), adhesion force distribution maps, stiffness and deformation of the specimen (bottom left) simultaneously with 3D relief (top right). Measurement of force curves at surface points F = F(x, y, z) – bottom right

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4. Fig.3. Force Volume mapping mode. Height mapping on the top left, force curves on the right. The blue line is the supply and the blue line is the withdrawal of the cantilever from the virus surface. The vertical red line can be used to move the scale of the force curve display. The cross on the topography selects the point of the substrate, the force curve in which is shown in the lower right part of the frame

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5. Fig.4. Exported array of power curves opened in one window in “FemtoScan Online” software. Measurement on a viral particle

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6. Fig.5. Four-dimensional display of mechanical properties distribution map in “FemtoScan Online” software

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Copyright (c) 2025 Akhmetova A.I., Dubrovin E.V., Yaminsky I.V.