Abstract
The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been used to measure the interaction force between a hydrophilic (COOH-functionalised) AFM tip and an oligopeptide (Cys-Gly-Ala-Ala-Ala-Ala amide) self-assembled film as a function of their separation distance. These measurements produce force-distance curves characterised by two relative minima in the regions in which the tip is strongly attracted by the film surface. We have performed control experiments to prove the relationship of one of the two minima with the formation of hydrogen bonds between tip carboxyl groups and oligopeptide terminal amide groups. Under conditions less favourable to hydrogen-bond formation, curves with only one minimum are recorded. Other experiments performed by using the same functionalised tips and self-assembled alkanethiol films confirm that the less deep minimum is related to hydrogen bonding between the tip and the sample.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.