Probing microplatform for the study of biological adhesion forces

Abstract

A tool for the study of biological adhesion forces with the atomic force microscope (AFM) is introduced. The tool, a “microplatform,” can be functionalized with variety of specimens such as bacterial cells and used to study adhesion between the specimen and a surface. This tool is easily created using commercially available silicon AFM tips and an AFM, and can be customized in size to fit specific applications. Two custom fabricated microplatforms, ∼1 and ∼2.5 μm were tested. The method of microplatform fabrication, as well as adhesion force data between E. coli bacteria and a nanofiltration membrane is presented.