Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) – principles of operation and applications in biological sciences

Atomic force microscopy (AFM), also known as scanning probe microscopy, was initially developed for research in materials science and nanotechnology. Over the past two decades, it has become an essential tool in biological and biomedical studies. This article discusses the principles of atomic force microscopy and presents its applications in biological sample analysis. The study also presents the potential of combining AFM with other imaging techniques, such as spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and confocal microscopy. The invention of atomic force microscopy has transformed biological research, enabling detailed characterization of structures and properties of living biological systems under physiological conditions for most cell types. Atomic force microscope is distinguished by its high precision, which directly affects the spatial resolution of the material under study. This allows for in situ observation of cellular structures, and by utilizing interatomic forces, it is possible to obtain surface images of the sample with atomic-level resolution.