Plastic tip arrays for force spectroscopy

Anal Chem. 2004 Jul 1;76(13):3861-3. doi: 10.1021/ac035226+.

Abstract

The mechanical stability and viability of molecules investigated with the atomic force microscope (AFM) continue to be limiting factors in the duration of force spectroscopy measurements. In an effort to circumvent this problem, we have fabricated an all-plastic array of over 30 000 tips with dimensions similar to common AFM probes using silicon micromolding techniques. This approach enables rapid fabrication of tip arrays with improved properties, as compared to tip arrays made entirely of silicon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Gold / chemistry
  • Microarray Analysis / methods*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silicon / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gold
  • Silicon