Spatially resolved force spectroscopy of biological surfaces using the atomic force microscope

The spatial distribution of intermolecular forces governs macromolecular in teractions, The atomic force microscope, a relatively new tool for investig ating interaction forces between nanometer-scale objects, can be used to pr oduce spatially resolved maps of the surface or material properties of a sa mple; these include charge density, adhesion and stiffness, as well as the force required to break specific ligand-receptor bonds. Maps such as these will provide fundamental insights into biological structure and will become an important tool for characterizing technologically important biological systems.