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 co...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.展开更多
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 als...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.展开更多
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 eff...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.展开更多
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 pharma...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.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
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 distributi...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.展开更多
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 perspecti...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.展开更多
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...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%。展开更多
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...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。展开更多
应用原子力显微镜(atomic force microscopy,AFM)探测了静息、脂多糖(LPS)或伴刀豆蛋白(ConA)活化的人外周血淋巴细胞的形态结构、超微结构及粘滞力特性。从AFM图像可知,经LPS或ConA刺激活化后的淋巴细胞比静息状态的淋巴细胞有...应用原子力显微镜(atomic force microscopy,AFM)探测了静息、脂多糖(LPS)或伴刀豆蛋白(ConA)活化的人外周血淋巴细胞的形态结构、超微结构及粘滞力特性。从AFM图像可知,经LPS或ConA刺激活化后的淋巴细胞比静息状态的淋巴细胞有所增大,并且表面分布着大小不一的颗粒状聚合物。利用AFM高空间分辨的力位移曲线测量系统,发现经LPS或ConA刺激活化后淋巴细胞的粘滞力是静息状态淋巴细胞的2~3倍。通过AFM探测淋巴细胞活化状态的可视化数据,可以更好地理解淋巴细胞的行为。展开更多
文摘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.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under grant No.10335070. Financial support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Scientific and Technological Committee is also appreciated.
文摘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.
基金The support from Visiting Scholar Foundation of Key Lab in University and Chinese Education Foundation for Excellent Young Teachers as well as the support from Jiangsu province (BJ 99011 and BK 2001401) is greatly appreciated.
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41072153) the “Strategic Priority Research Program-Climate Change: Carbon Budget and Related Issues” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA05030100) the Foundation for University Key Teacher by Education Department of Henan Province (2009GGJS-038).
文摘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.
基金This work was financially supported by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China (No.2003034504),the Open Foundation ofState Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis & Processing, Wuhan University of Technology (2004-2005)and the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (No.2002AA302504).
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘原子力显微镜(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%。
文摘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。
文摘应用原子力显微镜(atomic force microscopy,AFM)探测了静息、脂多糖(LPS)或伴刀豆蛋白(ConA)活化的人外周血淋巴细胞的形态结构、超微结构及粘滞力特性。从AFM图像可知,经LPS或ConA刺激活化后的淋巴细胞比静息状态的淋巴细胞有所增大,并且表面分布着大小不一的颗粒状聚合物。利用AFM高空间分辨的力位移曲线测量系统,发现经LPS或ConA刺激活化后淋巴细胞的粘滞力是静息状态淋巴细胞的2~3倍。通过AFM探测淋巴细胞活化状态的可视化数据,可以更好地理解淋巴细胞的行为。