Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, have made significant strides in the field of nanotechnology with their recent breakthrough in 3D imaging using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The team has successfully imaged a suspended nanostructure, showcasing the potential of this technique in visualizing complex biological systems in three dimensions.
Atomic force microscopy was originally developed to provide high-resolution imaging of surfaces at the nanoscale. By moving an ultrathin tip over a sample’s surface, researchers can generate a height map that reveals the topography of the material. Building on this foundation, scientists have been exploring ways to extend AFM into the realm of 3D imaging, particularly for studying living cells and flexible molecular structures.
In a recent study published in the journal Small Methods, Takeshi Fukuma and his team at Kanazawa University detailed their investigation of a specially designed flexible sample. The sample consisted of a carbon nanotube fiber suspended on platinum pillars, all situated on a silicon substrate and immersed in water. Carbon nanotubes, which are rolled-up one-atom-thick carbon sheets, offer a unique structure for studying nanoscale phenomena.
The researchers conducted 3D-AFM experiments in both static and dynamic modes to capture the behavior of the suspended nanotube fiber. In static mode, the nanotip was lowered vertically towards the sample, causing the fiber to bend upon contact. In dynamic mode, the tip oscillated at a resonance frequency while descending, providing additional insights into the mechanical properties of the nanostructure.
By meticulously analyzing the forces acting on the nanotube fiber in different experimental conditions, Fukuma and his colleagues gained valuable insights into the imaging mechanisms of 3D-AFM. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the technique to become a versatile tool for visualizing a wide range of biological and molecular structures in three dimensions.
This research represents a significant advancement in the field of nanotechnology and paves the way for further exploration of 3D imaging techniques using atomic force microscopy. The ability to visualize complex structures at the nanoscale opens up new possibilities for studying biological systems and materials with unprecedented detail and precision.
