| The necessity to explore nanoscopic systems is ever increasing in the world of science and technology. This evolving need to study such physically small systems demands new experimental techniques and methodologies. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a versatile technique that can overcome many nanoscopic size limitations. AFM has been utilized in the world of nanotechnology to study physiochemical properties of particles, materials, and biomolecules through characterization of morphology, electrical and mechanical properties, binding interactions, and surface tension, among others. The work discussed herein is largely a report of several novel AFM methodologies that were developed to allow new characterization techniques of individual submicrometer particles and single biomolecular interactions. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.). |
