Scanning Probe Microscopy of Biomaterials and Nanoscale Biomechanics

Since its invention, operation of AFM in liquid for imaging soft biomaterials has been hindered by a low quality factor caused by large drag forces on the cantilever. Utilizing the small dimensions of a nanoneedle, the new method presented in this dissertation resolves the complications by keeping the cantilever outside of the liquid and using a nanoneedle attached to the AFM probe as the sensing element in liquid. It was shown that this method in liquid maintained the harmonic dynamic characteristics of the cantilever similar to that in air and had an intrinsic high quality factor. The performance of the new method is demonstrated through imaging single collagen fibrils in liquid as well as the extremely soft membrane of living cells under physiological conditions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Jolandan, Majid Minary

Contributors dc:contributor

• Yu, Min-Feng

• Biophysics, Biomechanics

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3455832

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83944