Atomic Force Microscopy Core (COM)

Overview of Services

atomicforcemicroscopy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu RRID:SCR_025075

The Atomic Force Microscopy Core at Penn State College of Medicine was created in 2023 with support from NIH (1S10OD030279-01A1). The core’s mission is to provide the College of Medicine research community with access to state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy equipment and expertise as a means to advance the strategic research goals of the institution.

The Biomedical Core Facilities has recently purchased a Bruker NanoWizard® Ultra Speed 2 – High-Speed Atomic Force Microscope. Located in C1732, this system is capable of generating nanometer resolution images of hydrated biological cells, molecules, tissues and solid biomaterials at video rate (up to 60 frames per second).

Purchased modules for the system allow for fast force measurement mapping, high resolution force spectroscopy/compression mode measurements for measuring both biological interactions and mechanical properties of biological tissues. Correlation of AFM measurements with an array of optical microscopy techniques and images generated simultaneously will be available.

A separate fluorescence microscope is available for simultaneous fluorescence/AFM imaging.

Multiple AFM heads allow for imaging from single atoms to 100umx100um areas, ensuring that the widest variety of samples can be imaged on the microscope.

The system resides on a vibration isolation table and inside an acoustic enclosure to ensure that noise levels are kept to a minimum. A temperature control module is available so that samples can be imaged from room temperature to 60 °C.

Leadership

Maria Bewley | Director of Core Facilities | mbewley@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

Chris Siedlecki | AFM Director | csiedlecki@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

• Atomic Force Microscopy Core (COM) Website Coming Soon!
• https://www.brukerafmprobes.com/
• Email us: atomicforcemicroscopy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

Contacts