What Tools and Techniques Are Used in Nanoscale Biophysics?
Several cutting-edge tools and techniques are fundamental to nanoscale biophysics:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): This technique provides high-resolution imaging of surfaces and can measure forces between the probe and the sample, essential for studying molecular mechanics. - Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM): STM allows for imaging surfaces at the atomic level and can be used to manipulate individual atoms and molecules. - Optical Tweezers: These use laser beams to trap and manipulate small particles, such as DNA or proteins, enabling the study of their mechanical properties. - Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy: This technique tracks the behavior of individual molecules in real-time, providing insights into biological processes that occur on a nanoscopic scale.
