Observation and characterization of asphalt microstructure by atomic force microscopy

The microstructure of asphalt is investigated by atomic force microscopy （AFM）. In order to analyze the impacts of asphalt types on microstructures, two neat asphalts with different penetration grades （50# and 70#） and one styrene-butadiene-styrene （SBS） modified asphalt are chosen. The influence of short-term aging is also studied. Based on the knowledge of asphalt＇s microproperties, the relationship between microstructures and healing property is analyzed. The results indicate that the microstructures of three asphalts are quite different and the effects of aging on the surface characteristics for different asphalts are also different. It is proposed that the bee structure is a type of wax crystal and it has a close relationship with the ＂bridge-healing＂ mechanism. The findings may reveal the formation mechanism of microstructure and the healing property for asphalts.

Investigation of Adsorption of Xanthan Gum on Enamel by Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy

By using tapping mode atomic force microscopy(TMAFM), a polymer layer was found on the enamel surface after the exposure to xanthan gum solutions. The layer thickness is closely related to the exposure time and the concentration of xanthan gum solution. The thickness data were evaluated by a Kruskal-Wallis test and Box-Whisker Plot at a 95% confidence level(p<0.05), and a statistically significant difference among the thickness data groups was demonstrated. After the exposure to 1000, 400, 100 mg/L xanthan gum solutions, the mean of layer thickness at the adsorption equilibrium is in the ranges of 103.5_122.06, 82.4_88.94 and 45.27_55.55 nm, respectively. This phenomenon suggests that the viscosity modifying agents in the beverage might be adsorbed on the enamel surface during consumption, which may form a barrier that can protect the enamel from being attacked by acid and therefore reduce dental erosion.

Single DNA molecular manipulation with atomic force microscopy

Nanomanipulation of DNA molecules or other biomolecules to form artificial patterns or structures at nanometer scale has potential applications in the construction of molecular devices in future industries. It may also lead to new insights into the interesting properties and behavior of this fantastic nature-selected molecule at the sin- gle-molecular level. Here we present a special method based on the combination of macroscopic “molecular comb- ing” and microscopic “molecular cutting” to manipulate DNA molecules and form complex patterns at nanometer scale on solid surfaces. A possible strategy for ordered DNA sequencing based on this nanomanipulation technique has also been proposed.

A Study of the Probe Effect on the Apparent Image of Biological Atomic Force Microscopy

The probe effect on the apparent image of biological atomic force microscopy was explored in this study, and the potential of AFM in conformational study of gene related biological processes was illustrated by the specific nanostructural information of a new antitumor drug binding to DNA.

Elucidation and Identification of Double-Tip Effects in Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Biological Structures

While atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been increasingly applied to life science, artifactual measurements or images can occur during nanoscale analyses of cell components and biomolecules. Tip-sample convolution effect is the most common mechanism responsible for causing artifacts. Some deconvolution-based methods or algorithms have been developed to reconstruct the specimen surface or the tip geometry. Double-tip or double-probe effect can also induce artifactual images by a different mechanism from that of convolution effect. However, an objective method for identifying the double-tip/probe-induced artifactual images is still absent. To fill this important gap, we made use of our expertise of AFM to analyze artifactual double-tip images of cell structures and biomolecules, such as linear DNA, during AFM scanning and imaging. Mathematical models were then generated to elucidate the artifactual double-tip effects and images develop during AFM imaging of cell structures and biomolecules. Based on these models, computational formulas were created to measure and identify potential double-tip AFM images. Such formulas proved to be useful for identification of double-tip images of cell structures and DNA molecules. The present studies provide a useful methodology to evaluate double-tip effects and images. Our results can serve as a foundation to design computer-based automatic detection of double-tip AFM images during nanoscale measuring and imaging of biomolecules and even non-biological materials or structures, and then personal experience is not needed any longer to evaluate artifactual images induced by the double-tip/probe effect.

Monitoring film coalescence from aqueous polymeric dispersions using atomic force microscopy: Surface topographic and nano-adhesion studies

The aim of the investigation was to develop the use of topographic and nano-adhesion atomic force microscopy(AFM) studies as a means of monitoring the coalescence of latex particles within films produced from a pharmaceutically relevant aqueous dispersion(Eudragit~?NE30 D). Films were prepared via spin coating and analysed using AFM, initially via tapping mode for topographic assessment followed by force-distance measurements which allowed assessment of site-specific adhesion. The results showed that colloidal particles were clearly observed topographically in freshly prepared samples, with coalescence detected on curing via the disappearance of discernible surface features and a decrease in roughness indices. The effects of temperature and humidity on film curing were also studied, with the former having the most pronounced effect. AFM force measurements showed that the variation in adhesive force reduced with increasing curing time, suggesting a novel method of quantifying the rate of film formation upon curing. It was concluded that the AFM methods outlined in this study may be used as a means of qualitatively and quantitatively monitoring the curing of pharmaceutical films as a function of time and other variables, thereby facilitating rational design of curing protocols.

原子力红外显微镜(AFM-IR):成像原理及方法综述

综述了基于原子力显微镜的红外光谱(Atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy,AFM-IR)的特点,测量和检测原理及其技术优势。AFM-IR是能在纳米尺度对不同材料进行表征的新兴技术,该技术可以以远低于常规光学衍射极限的分辨率检测材料的化学成分,同时提供不同组分的分布图谱。AFM-IR的原理是利用原子力显微镜(AFM)悬臂梁的振动检测样本因吸收红外辐射脉冲产生的热膨胀,因此AFM-IR在继承了AFM的纳米级分辨率的基础上结合了红外光谱的化学分析能力,克服了二者原有的缺点并实现了优势互补。这项新技术在过去十多年备受关注并获得了长足的发展,因其操作简便、系统稳定、样品制备要求相对较低,以及与红外光谱直接相关而无需数学建模或额外数据后续处理,已被广泛用于材料科学、生命科学等诸多领域。

Atomic force microscopy study on microstructure of various ranks of coals

As a new technology, Atomil Force Microscopy （AFM） is being used in the research of microscopic structure on coal surface in recent years. By this technology, we can observe the nanoscale pore and crack shape of coal surface, and measure some structural parameters. Different metamorphic grades produce different feature of surface microscopic structure of coal. This paper analyzes the surface microscopic structure of different metamorphic grade coal by AFM. The results show that the coal surface microstructure has a trend from rough to smooth with the increasing of metamorphic grade. The low rank coals contain large or medium pores and the high rank coals contain micro pores. The values of surface morphology characteristic parameters （Sq and Sa） nonlinearly decrease with the increasing coal rank. That is, the coal surface becomes smoother during coalification.

Sulfonated polyetherketone (SPEK-C) films investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy

The characterization of sulfonated polyetherketone (SPEK-C) films was investigated by using positronannihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that free volume radiusand intensity depend on the variation of sulfonation degree and solvent evaporation time of the films. Pore size anddistribution determined from PALS and AFM measurements showed reasonable agreement.

Unveiling the nanoscale architectures and dynamics of protein assembly with in situ atomic force microscopy

Proteins play a vital role in different biological processes by forming complexes through precise folding with exclusive inter-and intra-molecular interactions.Understanding the structural and regulatory mechanisms underlying protein complex formation provides insights into biophysical processes.Furthermore,the principle of protein assembly gives guidelines for new biomimetic materials with potential appli-cations in medicine,energy,and nanotechnology.Atomic force microscopy(AFM)is a powerful tool for investigating protein assembly and interactions across spatial scales(single molecules to cells)and temporal scales(milliseconds to days).It has significantly contributed to understanding nanoscale architectures,inter-and intra-molecular interactions,and regulatory elements that determine protein structures,assemblies,and functions.This review describes recent advancements in elucidating protein assemblies with in situ AFM.We discuss the structures,diffusions,interac-tions,and assembly dynamics of proteins captured by conventional and high-speed AFM in near-native environments and recent AFM developments in the multimodal high-resolution imaging,bimodal imaging,live cell imaging,and machine-learning-enhanced data analysis.These approaches show the significance of broadening the horizons of AFM and enable unprecedented explorations of protein assembly for biomaterial design and biomedical research.

Atomic force microscope study of WC-10Co cemented carbide sintered from nanocrystalline composite powders

In order to compare the spark plasma sintedng （SPS） process plus hot isostatic press （HIP） with vacuum sintedng plus HIP, an investigation was carried out on the topography, microstructure and gain size distribution of nanocrystalline WC-10Co composite powder and the sintered specimens prepared by SPS plus HIP and by vacuum sintering plus HIP by means of atomic force microscopy （AFM）. The mechanical properties of the sintered specimens were also investigated. It is very easy to find cobalt lakes in the specimen prepared by vacuum sintering plus HIP process. But the microstructure of the specimen prepared by SPS plus HIP is more homogeneous, and the grain size is smaller than that prepared by vacuum sintering plus HIP. The WC-10Co ultrafine cemented carbide consolidated by SPS plus HIP can reach a relative density of 99.4%, and the transverse rupture strength （TRS） is higher than 3540 MPa, the Rockwell A hardness （HRA） is higher than 92.8, the average grain size is smaller than 300 nm, and the WC-10Co ultrafine cemented carbide with excellent properties is achieved. The specimen prepared by SPS with HIP has better properties and microstructure than that prepared by vacuum sintering with HIP.

Atomic-level characterization of liquid/solid interface

The detailed understanding of various underlying processes at liquid/solid interfaces requires the development of interface-sensitive and high-resolution experimental techniques with atomic precision.In this perspective,we review the recent advances in studying the liquid/solid interfaces at atomic level by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope(EC-STM),non-contact atomic force microscopy(NC-AFM),and surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopies.Different from the ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic experiments,these techniques are all operated in situ under ambient condition,making the measurements close to the native state of the liquid/solid interface.In the end,we present some perspectives on emerging techniques,which can defeat the limitation of existing imaging and spectroscopic methods in the characterization of liquid/solid interfaces.

DNA共价结合在化学修饰云母片上的AFM研究

原子力显微镜（AFM）自1986年发明以来, 已经成为生物学研究领域中的一个有效工具，尤其在核酸及其它生物大分子结构方面的应用已成为普遍关注的热点.

女贞和珊瑚树叶片表面特征的AFM观察

应用原子力显微镜观察了女贞(Ligustrum lucidum)、珊瑚树(Viburnum odoratissimum)幼叶和成熟叶的表面特征,并探讨了叶面微结构对滞尘能力的可能影响以及抵抗干旱、污染物等胁迫的能力。女贞幼叶和成熟叶正背面的粗糙度Ra分别为417.8、794.5、1069、957.4 nm;珊瑚树幼叶和成熟叶正背面的粗糙度Ra分别为471.3、469.6、291.1、865.9 nm。和幼叶相比,成熟叶表面的粗糙度发生变化,但2个物种的变化趋势不同,这种变化可能与气孔的发育以及外界环境条件对叶片表面形态结构、蜡质含量和成分的影响不同有关。叶片表面存在大量的沟状、孔状峰谷区域和直径约为10μm的凹陷,有利于PM10的滞留。女贞和珊瑚树成熟叶气孔只分布在叶下表皮且下陷。这些特征均说明女贞和珊瑚树具有较强的滞尘能力和抵抗干旱、污染物胁迫的能力,作为绿篱植物对消减城市大气颗粒物污染和提高空气质量具有重要的意义。

基于弯曲法的AFM微悬臂梁弹性常数标定技术

原子力显微镜(atomic force microscopy,AFM)在微纳米尺度力学测量领域有着广泛应用,其微悬臂梁探针的弹性常数是直接影响测量结果准确性的关键因素之一。弯曲法是标定微悬臂梁弹性常数的一类重要方法,基于弯曲标定原理提出了一种新的技术实现方案,并研制了相应的标定系统。借助精密运动定位台使微悬臂梁接触超精密天平并产生弯曲,分别以天平和光杠杆机构同步测得接触力和梁的弯曲量,再根据胡克定律直接算得弹性常数。利用所研制的系统对多种型号的微悬臂梁进行了标定,实验结果表明该系统具有良好的准确性和重复性,测量相对标准差小于5%。

环氧树脂真空沿面闪络后表面形貌的AFM分析及分形特征提取

系统而准确地描述绝缘材料表面形貌特征有利于进一步掌握材料表面形貌的放电损伤规律,对建立表面形貌与闪络特性之间的关联具有重要意义。在不同电场下对环氧树脂进行真空沿面闪络,通过原子力显微镜(AFM)研究不同闪络次数、不同放电位置的试样表面形貌特征,并引入分形理论对形貌特征进行定量分析。结果表明,随着闪络损伤增强,试样表面形貌依次经历了毛刺状、颗粒状、山峰状和连续山峦状的演变过程,表面粗糙度不断增大,且极不均匀电场下闪络对表面形貌的影响更为显著。此外,环氧树脂表面形貌具有分形特性,利用分形维数与多重分形参数能定量表征表面形貌的复杂程度及高度分布状况。研究发现,闪络后环氧树脂的沿面耐压性能总体呈下降趋势,且介质的沿面绝缘特性与表面粗糙度及分形参数间均存在一定关系。

球形棕囊藻溶血毒素对兔红细胞作用的AFM观察

溶血性毒素是有毒藻类分泌较多的一类毒素,具有溶血活性。运用光学显微镜和原子力显微镜(AFM)观察了球形棕囊藻Phaeocystis globosa溶血毒素对兔红细胞的溶血现象。结果显示,经毒素处理后的兔血红细胞边缘凹凸不平,只剩下一小部分残骸。该毒素可能由于其双亲性质与血红细胞膜表面的膜脂连接,产生脂溶效应,使细胞膜破坏。

基于光束偏转法的原子力显微镜探针一致性装配系统研究

为解决原子力显微镜(Atomic Force Microscope,AFM)系统更换探针后光路调整复杂耗时、精度不足的问题,本文首次提出通过精密控制探针与探针夹装配位置来实现更换的探针相对AFM系统原光路位置的一致,进而实现免去AFM系统换针后调整光路步骤。该系统的光路一致性组件采用光束偏转法对探针位置与偏转进行放大与监测,并使用高精度位移与角度调节平台进行探针相对于探针夹的方位调整。通过实物搭建对探针一致性效果进行了验证,并对紫外光(Ultraviolet,UV)胶水固化过程导致探针位置偏移影响;探针不同偏移量时产生的探测器噪音对AFM系统成像质量影响进行了系统分析。实验结果表明:经由该系统装配的探针平均位置精度接近1.1μm;并且在AFM系统中更换一致性探针仅需8 s。该系统实现了高精度且质量稳定的探针一致性装配,极大地简化了AFM系统重新校准光路的操作步骤,其与自动换针装置配合可有效提升工业计量型AFM的操作与测量性能。

基于图像聚焦定位的AFM自动逼近方法研究

原子力显微镜（AFM）是纳米科学技术领域中的常用工具。AFM扫描成像前需要手动或半自动操作步骤实现探针与样品逼近过程,自动化程度低、操作繁琐,探针容易受损。由此,提出了一种粗精结合的分段式自动定位方法。在粗定位阶段,采用自动聚焦定位方法,提出了一种最强边缘拉普拉斯算子均值算法,具有很强的抗噪性能,可以适应AFM长行程、不同纹理样品自动聚焦,以确定探针和样品的相对位置;精定位阶段,采用精确力反馈控制方法,当样品和探针作用力超过设定值时,探针在Z向纳米平台的带动下能够自动回退,使针尖得到有效保护。通过这两种方法的有效技术融合,可以实现探针-样品逼近过程的自动化操作,提高AFM的易用性和使用效率。

天花粉蛋白对红细胞损伤作用的AFM研究

目的 :利用原子力显微镜 (atomicforcemicroscopy ,简称AFM)观察红细胞 (redbloodcells,简称RBC)与天花粉蛋白 (tricho santhin ,简称TCS)作用后形态上的变化以及细胞膜的损伤情况。方法 :将 1 2mg ml的TCS溶液与红细胞的PBS缓冲溶液 (pH 7 4 )按 1∶4的比例混合 ,在 35℃温度下作用 2h后 ,用原子力显微镜观察受损的红细胞 ,与正常红细胞进行对比。结果 :(1)与正常红细胞相比 ,与TCS作用后的红细胞的高度明显降低 ,凹陷部分更加明显。 (2 )对红细胞上小范围扫描成像的结果显示 ,受损后的红细胞膜表面结构发生了变化 ,膜表面颗粒排列的特征依然存在 ,但颗粒之间开始产生连接。结论 :TCS能损伤红细胞膜 ,改变细胞膜的微结构 。