Bruker BioScope Resolve

Bio-AFM Combined with an inverted Nikon TE2000 fluorescence microscope

Characterization Technique: Correlative optical/fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for biological samples

The BioScope Resolve's seamless integration of atomic force microscope and a recently upgraded inverted fluorescence microscope reveals detailed information of biological samples including mechanical properties. The combination of the optical and AFM instrument allows simultaneous access to the sample for both modalities on a single instrument setup, enabling correlated high-resolution data collection at high-speed in near physiological conditions in liquids.

Technique Advantages

• High-resolution multimodal AFM imaging for all scan ranges from cells and tissues to single molecules
• Lateral AFM scan range up to 100µm, vertical range (height) up to 15 µm. Vertical resolution typical < 0.5 nm,
• Comprehensive Package for live cell and tissue imaging and nano-mechanical mapping
• Small volume capabilities (~60µl) with sample perfusion for molecular biology and single molecule applications
• Fast scanning options for live cell imaging and single molecular scanning (up to 98Hz) in liquid
• Fully integrated inverted fluorescence microscope with live cell imaging capabilities
• Gas (e.g. 5% CO5 balanced air) and liquid perfusion available (µl to ml volume)
• Software controlled heating stage from ambient temperatures to ~60°C
• Semi-automated fluorescence image acquisition and device control and a wide range of image analysis options and correlation with AFM images
• Wide range of suitable for sample and substrates: Glass coverslips up to 75x25mm, plastic and glass bottom petri dishes from 35 - 60mm.
• Easy sample access and navigation by a long range fully motorized X-Y-Z stage a top view camera for optical brightfield observation of opaque samples
• Low noise design with a full acoustic isolation enclosure and anti-vibration table.

Typical Applications:

• High resolution imaging of biological samples in buffer solution (tissues, cells, viral particles, hydrogels applications, biomedical devices, and individual biomolecules)
• High resolution investigation of local mechanical properties (i.e. stiffness, adhesion, friction) of biological samples
• Time resolved imaging of biological samples up to 98 scan lines per second
• Studies of nano-scale forces between ligands in the single molecule range (Molecular interaction mapping, Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy (SMFS)
• Correlated fluorescence and atomic force microscopy (AFM) operation for high-resolution data collection and functional targeting of samples of interest (e.g. tissues, surfaces, cells)

In-situ correlative AFM/fluorescence characterization of breast cancer cells. Credit: Ibrahim Ozbolat Group, Penn State Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State Biomedical Engineering

AFM topography, partial overlay of MDA cell with fibroblasts.  Credit: Ozbolat, Dey, Moncal, Kastner, Penn State Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State Biomedical Engineering, MCL