PREPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE OBSERVATION OF NATIVE BIOLOGICAL-SYSTEMS WITH THE ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPE

Atomic force microscopy allows imaging of the structure and function o f biological specimens in their physiological environment. Submolecula r resolution of macromolecular systems can only be achieved if they ar e stably attached to an ultraflat supporting surface. Since the attach ment takes place in aqueous solution, the native state of the biomolec ules is preserved. We review a number of techniques to immobilize biol ogical samples onto chemically relatively inert, chemically reactive, or functionalized supporting surfaces of various kinds. (C) 1997 Elsev ier Science Limited.