High-speed Atomic Force Microscopy for Capturing Dynamic Behavior of Protein Molecules at Work

It seems that only the atomic force microscope (AFM) has a potential to trace a protein in action with high spatial and temporal resolution. To realize that potential, we have been developing a high-speed AFM. We have made efforts not only to enhance the scan speed but also to reduce the tip-sample interaction force as much as possible. The high-speed AFM can capture moving protein molecules and weakly interacting protein molecules on video without disturbing their physiological function. Here we review our studies carried out over the past 10 years, and our preliminary work toward the next generation of the instrument.