AFM/SPM (Atomic Force Microscopy/Scanning Probe Microscopy) can be used to image active protein molecules or living cells in a non-destructive manner. In addition, a variety of molecules can be attached to AFM cantilevers, making them chemically selective sensors for studying individual molecular interactions.
PicoTRECTM is a new Topography and RECognition imaging solution that requires no fluorescence, radioactivity, enzyme-linked detection schemes or other extraneous labels. It combines real-time detection of molecular recognition events and single-molecule sensitivity with the imaging capability of AFM/SPM. PicoTREC allows a researcher to quickly determine where specific, single molecule binding interactions occur on a sample, and resolves them from surface topography information. For example, when a drug or antibody are attached to an AFM/SPM tip, the forces involved in binding events with target molecules are detected and resolved by PicoTREC. The technique is being used to detect binding forces between antibodies and antigens, ligands and receptors, chemical bonds, and charge-charge interactions.
Consequently, entire maps of individual binding sites can quickly and easily be obtained across a variety surfaces. PicoTREC will be demonstrated on the avidin-biotin system with tip-bound ligands and antibodies, and on "adhesion-mapping" on single ferritin molecules and living cells.

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/2355 must be provided.