Review Article

Creating nanoscopic collagen matrices using atomic force microscopy

  1. Fengzhi Jiang1,2,
  2. Khaled Khairy3,
  3. Kate Poole1,
  4. Jonathon Howard3,
  5. Daniel J. Müller1,3,*

Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004

DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20101

Issue

Microscopy Research and Technique

Microscopy Research and Technique

Special Issue: Nanomaterials Characterization Using Microscopy—Part I

Volume 64, Issue 5-6, pages 435–440, August 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Jiang, F., Khairy, K., Poole, K., Howard, J. and Müller, D. J. (2004), Creating nanoscopic collagen matrices using atomic force microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 64: 435–440. doi: 10.1002/jemt.20101

Author Information

  1. 1

    BIOTEC, University of Technology Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany

  2. 2

    European Molecular Biological Laboratory, 69112 Heidelberg, Germany

  3. 3

    Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany

*Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 NOV 2004
  2. Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 17 FEB 2004
  4. Manuscript Received: 15 NOV 2003

Funded by

  • Heinrich Hörber

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Keywords:

  • atomic force microscopy;
  • collagen type I;
  • molecular interactions;
  • protein assembly;
  • microfibrils

Abstract

The atomic force microscope (AFM) is introduced as a biomolecular manipulation machine capable of assembling biological molecules into well-defined molecular structures. Native collagen molecules were mechanically directed into well-defined, two-dimensional templates exhibiting patterns with feature sizes ranging from a few nanometers to several hundreds of micrometers. The resulting nanostructured collagen matrices were only ∼3-nm thick, exhibited an extreme mechanical stability, and maintained their properties over the time range of several months. Our results directly demonstrate the plasticity of biological assemblies and provide insight into the physical mechanisms by which biological structures may be organized by cells in vivo. These nanoscopic templates may serve as platforms on non-biological surfaces to direct molecular and cellular processes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:435–440, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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