Scanning probe microscopy of biomolecules and polymeric biomaterials

摘要

Critical problems associated with the analysis of biological macromolecules and polymeric biomaterials by scanning probe microscopy are identified. The problems of molecular immobilisation and distribution and data validation are discussed. A number of solutions are described, including the application of a conductive coating and the covalent attachment of biomolecules to suitable substrates. Recent work in the authors' laboratory is described. The conductive coating approach has been employed to study helical macromolecules (including polysaccharides and DNA) and protein molecules. A variety of covalent attachment procedures have been examined, including the adsorption of thiolated proteins onto gold surfaces, the coupling of proteins to self-assembled monolayers, and the attachment of biotinylated molecules to streptavidin-coated polystyrene surfaces. Studies of polymeric biomaterials are also described. Scanning tunnelling microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been compared in studies of poly(ethylene oxide), and the interactions of ferritin with a ferritin antibody immobilised on a polystyrene surface have been examined.