AFM BIO

The BIO Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a high-resolution scanning probe microscope dedicated to the study of biological and soft-matter samples at the nanoscale. The BIO AFM is designed specifically for biological applications, allowing imaging and mechanical characterization of living cells, biomolecules, and other delicate samples under near-physiological conditions.
It uses a sharp nanometric tip mounted on a flexible cantilever to scan sample surfaces, producing three-dimensional topographical maps with nanometer resolution. Unlike conventional AFMs optimized for dry samples, BIO AFM can work in fluid, enabling observation of living cells, membranes, proteins, extracellular vesicles, and other hydrated biological structures. Thanks to low interaction forces, it allows investigation of fragile specimens such as soft tissues, biofilms, and macromolecular complexes.
The instrument can measure physical properties including elastic modulus (stiffness), adhesion forces, viscoelastic behavior and surface roughness. In particular, it is commonly used for imaging living cells and cellular membranes, studying protein aggregates and DNA structures, characterizing biomaterials and nanomedicine systems, investigating extracellular vesicles and mineralization processes, measuring interactions between biomolecules and surface analysis of biocompatible materials. Atomic force microscopy is particularly valuable in biomedical research because it can reveal structural and mechanical information that complements optical and electron microscopy.
Within the NAST infrastructure, the BIO AFM contributes to interdisciplinary projects spanning from nanomedicine to biomaterials.