Apparatus and method for measuring intermolecular interactions by atomic force microscopy

摘要

A sample support member for atomic force microscopy of intermolecular interactions includes a sample support base having a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion having an apical substrate region or tip that has been chemically modified by the immobilization thereon of a sample compound or of a linking compound that is capable of binding a sample compound. A reference compound support member has a surface region having at least one reference compound immobilized thereon. The relative position and orientation of the reference compound support member and the substrate support member are controlled to select a particular protrusion and to cause an interaction between a reference compound immobilized on the surface region of the free end of the cantilever and the sample compound immobilized on the apical substrate area of the selected protrusion. A physical parameter associated with the interaction between the reference compound and the sample compound can be measured.