Feeling sugar-protein interactions using carbon nanotubes : a molecular recongition force microscopy study

Klein, D.C.G. (2004)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis consists of eight chapters. In Chapters 2 and 3, the
application of AFM to biological systems is explored, both in air and in
liquid. Chapter 2 deals with atomic force microscopy in air and, as an
example, contains a study of filaments found in dividing yeast cells.
Chapter 3 describes atomic force microscopy in liquid, both in contact
mode and in tapping mode.
In Chapters 4, 5, and 6 we discuss all steps that have to be
taken in order to make the high-resolution MRFM experiment
described in Chapter 7 possible. As a first step, Chapter 4 provides a
method for immobilizing well-separated single molecules for AFM
studies in liquid. Next, in Chapter 5, the use of carbon nanotubes as
AFM tips for molecular recognition force microscopy is discussed, and
a description is given of the fabrication process of single-walled and
multi-walled carbon nanotube AFM tips. In Chapter 6, the last step is
discussed: chemical characterization and functionalization of carbon
nanotubes. In Chapter 7, all steps come together, and first results of
molecular recognition force microscopy experiments on pea lectin and
on mannan binding lectin are shown and discussed.
To conclude, Chapter 8 provides a summarizing discussion and
an outlook.

• All authors: Klein, D.C.G.
• Supervisor: Kijne, J.W.; Frenken, J.W.M.
• Co-supervisor: Oosterkamp T.H.
• Committee: Hinterdorfer P., Aartsma T.J., Kes P.H., McKendry R., Saris F.W., Spaink H.P.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2004-11-11
• ISBN (print): 9090187324
• Court: LEI Universiteit Leiden