Latest News

MRS Fall Exhibit 2019 in BostonMon Dec 02 2019

We are often asked whether our ElectriCont-G probes are suitable for Conductive AFMMon Dec 02 2019

Is it just us or does the OPUS 160AC-NA tapping probe resemble a pecking woodpecker?Mon Nov 25 2019

Is it just us or does the OPUS 160AC-NA tapping probe resemble a pecking woodpecker? And if you do not hear the pecking while scanning… well, the oscillation amplitude is not high enough. Just kidding!

https://www.opustips.com/en/afm-tip-160ac-na

cdS quantum dots-based immunoassay combined with particle imprinted polymer technology and laser ablation icp-MS as a versatile tool for protein detectionMon Nov 25 2019

cdS quantum dots-based immunoassay combined with particle imprinted polymer technology and laser ablation icp-MS as a versatile tool for protein detection on NANOSENSORS Blog The molecularly imprinted polymer ( MIP ) technology is currently experiencing a rapid development due to the limitations of natural recognition elements such antibodies or aptamers.* However, neither MIP strategies are limitless. Therefore, the combination of these powerful tools in a specific immunoassay may bring highly selective approach.* In their article “cdS quantum dots-based immunoassay combined with particle imprinted polymer technology and laser ablation icp-MS as a versatile tool for protein detection” Tereza Vaneckova, Jaroslava Bezdekova, Michaela Tvrdonova, Marcela Vlcnovska, Veronika Novotna, Jan Neuman, Aneta Stossova, Viktor Kanicky, Vojtech Adam, Marketa Vaculovicova and Tomas Vaculovic introduce a MIP-based pseudo-immunoassay using NP-labelled antibody recognition and couple it with the sensitive detection technique laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( LA-ICP-MS ).* Two approaches of specific recognition were tested. The first one was based on the immunolabelling of the analyte captured by the MIP layer. The second approach involved immunolabelling of the analyte as a first step and the resulting QD-AB-AG complex was captured by MIP and further analyzed. The double-selective approach comprising of the specific immunolabelling reaction combined with isolation by MIP together with the LA-ICP-MS detection represents a viable approach of the IgG detection from a complex sample (LOD 4.2 μg and 1.6 μg, respectively) available for many exciting applications. Considering the overall time of the LA-ICP-MS analysis not exceeding 23 s (scan speed of 2000 μm/s), LA-ICP-MS is a promising technology to be used in future in conjunction with MIP technology.* The sample surface was analyzed using SEM with integrated AFM. Correlative Probe and Electron Microscopy (CPEM)48 was used for the surface analysis allowing simultaneous acquisition of SEM and AFM images at the same place in the same coordinate system. The SEM contrast is sensitive to the sample composition, while the AFM provides real surface topography. The accelerating voltage of 5 kV, beam current of 13 pA and SE detector was used for SEM imaging.* NANOSENSORS self-sensing self-actuating Akiyama probes in tapping mode were used for the AFM measurement. https://www.akiyamaprobe.com/ Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.#immunochemistry #AtomicForceMicroscopy #AFM

What are NANOSENSORS™ Membrane-type Surface-stress Sensors (MSS) for R&D in gas/odor sensing?Thu Nov 21 2019

The video on NANOSENSORS™ Membrane-type Surface-stress Sensors (MSS) for olfactory sensing has just passed the 1000 views mark. Thank you all for watching. https://youtu.be/JP_VoLrGVXs The NANOSENSORS™ Membrane-type Surface-stress Sensor – MSS is a non-packaged MEMS sensor, a silicon membrane platform supported with four beams on which piezoresistors are embedded. It is mainly dedicated to R&D in the areas of olfactory sensing and electronic noses. There are currently two major applications for this type of sensor: the MSS has a great potential as a core component for electronic (artificial) nose systems / olfactory sensing systems utilized in e.g., medical, food, environment, safety and security fields. the MSS can also be used for assessment of various materials like organic conductors, magnetic and superconductor materials in torque magnetometry. To find out more please have a look at the video or at the NANOSENSORS™ MSS webpage. https://www.mss-sensor.com/ https://www.nanosensors.com/…/video-on-nanosensors-membran…/ #MSS #ENose #OlfactorySystem

Electrodeposition of 4-Benzenesulfonic Acid onto a Graphite-Epoxy...Tue Nov 19 2019

Caffeine is widely present in food and drinks, such as teas and coffees, being also part of some currently commercialized medicines, but despite its enhancement on several functions of human body, its exceeding use can promote many health problems.* The paper... #AFMcantilever #AFMProbes #AFMTips

Cellulose carbamate derived cellulose thin films: preparation, characterization and blending with cellulose xanthateMon Nov 18 2019

New post - Cellulose carbamate derived cellulose thin films: preparation, characterization and blending with cellulose xanthate (https://www.nanoworld.com/…/cellulose-carbamate-derived-ce…/) has been published on NanoWorld Blog. Despite being rather old, the Viscose process still is the most important and frequently used technology for the production of regenerated wood based fibers with annual production volumes exceeding 3.5 million tons, mainly for the textile industry.* However, there are several environmental drawbacks of this technology. For instance, the necessity to use CS2 to form the cellulose precursor material (cellulose xanthate, CX), as well as the development of volatile sulfur containing compounds (e.g. H2S, COS) during the regeneration procedure requires complex recovery technologies, which manifest into higher prices of the final fiber products.* Another technology that has raised attention in recent years is the Carbacell process. The Carbacell process relies on cellulose carbamate (CC), which is easily obtained by reacting cellulose with urea. CC is soluble in cold alkali and can be subjected to wet spinning processes similar to those in viscose plants.* In their article: “Cellulose carbamate derived cellulose thin films: preparation, characterization and blending with cellulose xanthate” Michael Weißl, Mathias Andreas Hobisch, Leena Sisko Johansson, Kay Hettrich, Eero Kontturi, Bert Volkert and Stefan Spirk introduce a new system for manufacturing cellulose thin films based on ecofriendly CC. * Since CC is water soluble, the use of organic solvents is omitted compared to the other often employed cellulose derivative, TMSC. In addition, CC can be synthesized in large scale via environmentally friendly procedures. The regeneration process itself does not require any additional treatment but is induced by increasing the NaOH concentration during the spin-coating via evaporation of the water, as confirmed by IR and XPS spectroscopy.* Atomic Force Microscopy in tapping mode using a NanoWorld Arrow-NCR AFM probe was employed to gain further information about the surface morphology and structure of the CC films. https://www.nanoworld.com/tapping-mode-reflex-coated-afm-ti… Please have a look at the NanoWorld blog for the full citation and for a direct link to the full scientific article. #Cellulose #ThinFilm #AFM

Tip wear and tip breakage in high-speed atomic force microscopesTue Nov 05 2019

High speed scanning (HSS) AFM tests with our ContDLC AFM probes at velocities up to 1mm/s demonstrate the high durability of our diamond-like carbon coated tips. Scanning hard surfaces with sharp, steep edges at ultrahigh scan rates increases the danger of sudden apex breakage due to sudden high lateral forces. So, please do not HSS our TipCheck! :) Learn more in this in-depth study published in the Ultramicroscopy journal. #AFMProbes #AtomicForceMicroscopy #HighSpeedScanning

Polymer interlayers on flexible PET substrates enabling ultra-high performance, ITO-free dielectric/metal/dielectric transparent electrodeSun Nov 03 2019

Published new post (Polymer interlayers on flexible PET substrates enabling ultra-high performance, ITO-free dielectric/metal/dielectric transparent electrode) on NANOSENSORS™ Blog In their article “Polymer interlayers on flexible PET substrates enabling ultra-high performance, ITO-free dielectric/metal/dielectric transparent electrode” Lukas Kinner, Martin Bauch, Rachmat Adhi Wibowo, Giovanni Ligorio, Emil J.W.List-Kratochvil and Theodoros Dimopoulos reports on the fabrication and properties of a dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) transparent electrode on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate with polymer interlayers.* The presented electrode has a large potential for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications, outperforming the widely-used indium-tin-oxide (ITO) on flexible substrates.* The sample surfaces were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in tapping mode with NANOSENSORS™ SuperSharpSilicon™ high resolution SSS-NCHR AFM probes.* https://www.nanosensors.com/supersharpsilicon-non-contact-t… Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article. #AtomicForceMicroscopy #AFM #optoelectronics

Analysis of long dsRNA produced in vitro and in vivo using atomic...Tue Oct 29 2019

New post - Analysis of long dsRNA produced in vitro and in vivo using atomic force microscopy in conjunction with ion-pair reverse-phase HPLC (https://www.nanoworld.com/…/analysis-of-long-dsrna-produce…/) has been published on NanoWorld Blog.

Long double-stranded (ds) RNA is emerging as a novel alternative to chemical and genetically-modified insect and fungal management strategies. The ability to produce large quantities of dsRNA in either bacterial systems, by in vitro transcription, in cell-free systems or in planta for RNA interference applications has generated significant demand for the development and application of analytical tools for analysis of dsRNA.*

In their article “Analysis of long dsRNA produced in vitro and in vivo using atomic force microscopy in conjunction with ion-pair reverse-phase HPLC” Alison O. Nwokeoji, Sandip Kumar, Peter M. Kilby, David E. Portwood, Jamie K. Hobbs and Mark J. Dickman have utilised atomic force microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with ion-pair reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (IP-RP-HPLC) to provide novel insight into dsRNA for RNAi applications.*

The AFM analysis enabled direct structural characterisation of the A-form duplex dsRNA and accurate determination of the dsRNA duplex length.*

The work presented in this study demonstrates the ability of AFM in conjunction with IP RP HPLC to rapidly assess sample heterogeneity and provide important structural information regarding dsRNA.*

For the high resolution images presented in Fig. 1(A, B) and 2(B) in the article NanoWorld Ultra-Short Cantilevers USC-F1.2-k0.15 with a High Density Carbon tip (nominal values: tip radius 10 nm, cantilever length 7 μm, stiffness 0.15 N m−1, resonant frequency 1200 kHz in air) were tuned to 600–650 kHz, oscillated at a free amplitude of <30 mV and scanned at a rate of 0.4–1.0 μm s−1,to visualize the dsRNA and dsDNA grooves.* https://www.nanoworld.com/Ultra-Short-Cantilevers-USC-F1.2-…
Please have a look at the NanoWorld blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article. #biophysics #atomicforcemicroscopy #RNA

Amplitude Dependence of Resonance Frequency and its Consequences for Scanning Probe MicroscopyMon Oct 28 2019

Visualizing the bidirectional optical transfer function for near-field enhancement in waveguide coupled plasmonic transducersTue Oct 22 2019

Published new post (Visualizing the bidirectional optical transfer function for near-field enhancement in waveguide coupled plasmonic transducers) on NANOSENSORS™ Blog In their article “Visualizing the bidirectional optical transfer function for near-field enhancement in waveguide coupled plasmonic transducers” Lauren M. Otto, D. Frank Ogletree, Shaul Aloni, Matteo Staffaroni, Barry C. Stipe and Aeron T. Hammack describe how visualizations of the near-field modes in the region of a plasmonic device were created using scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy cathodoluminescence with both showing a strong correspondence to multiphysical numerical modeling of the devices under interrogation. The sSNOM measurements shown in this article were performed with NANOSENSORS™ AdvancedTEC™ ATEC-NC tip-view AFM probes.https://www.nanosensors.com/advanced-tip-at-the-end-of-the-… Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS™ blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.#ScatteringScanningNearFieldOpticalMicroscopy #AtomicForceMicroscopy #AFM

NanoWorld Retro Trailer passes the 500 views markMon Oct 14 2019

New post - NanoWorld Retro Trailer passes the 500 views mark (https://www.nanoworld.com/…/nanoworld-retro-trailer-passes…/) has been published on NanoWorld Blog. Looks like some people enjoyed a little nostalgia over the weekend and helped the NanoWorld Retro Trailer pass the 500 views mark. Thanks for watching! The AFM probe you can see in the last frames of the video is a NanoWorld High Apect Ratio AFM probe. https://youtu.be/faF7x9jxCKE The NanoWorld Retro Trailer featuring NanoWorld High Aspect Ratio Probes #AtomicForceMicroscopy

From Polymer to Magnetic Porous Carbon Spheres: Combined Microscopy, Spectroscopy, and Porosity StudiesThu Oct 10 2019

Published new post (From Polymer to Magnetic Porous Carbon Spheres: Combined Microscopy, Spectroscopy, and Porosity Studies) on NANOSENSORS Blog In their research paper “From Polymer to Magnetic Porous Carbon Spheres: Combined Microscopy, Spectroscopy, and Porosity Studies” Federico Cesano, Sara Cravanzola, Valentina Brunella, Alessandro Damin and Domenica Scarano, after having first reported the preparation of polymer waste-derived microporous carbon microspheres (SBET ~800 m2/g) 100–300 μm in size, investigate the morphology, porous texture and the surface properties of carbon and of magnetic carbon microspheres by multiple techniques.* The multi-technique methodology they used aims at an extensive description of the different characteristics of activated carbons with magnetic properties. For the Atomic Force Microscopy described in this paper NANOSENSORS™ SSS-MFMR AFM probes for high resolution magnetic force imaging were used for the topography images as well as the MFM imaging. https://www.nanosensors.com/supersharpsilicon-magnetic-force-microscopy-reflex-coating-afm-tip-SSS-MFMR Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS Blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article. #AmorphousCarbon #Fe3O4 #nanoparticles #AtomicForceMicroscopy

NanoWorld Trailer Retro (2001)Wed Oct 09 2019

We're celebrating #NationalNanoDay with the NanoWorld retro video today. The last frame of the video shows an #AFMprobe tip with a tip radius of smaller than 10 nm . This AFM probe is a High Apect Ratio #AFMtip which is used in #AtomicForceMicroscopy to measure deep trenches and other steep features. Do you recognize it? https://youtu.be/faF7x9jxCKE

Quantitative depth sensing with AFM contact-resonance imaging using BudgetSensors Multi75Al-G and ContAl-GMon Oct 07 2019

Quantitative depth sensing with AFM contact-resonance imaging using BudgetSensors Multi75Al-G and ContAl-G https://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/1.5113567 #AFMProbes #AtomicForceMicroscopy

A Short Peptide Hydrogel with High Stiffness Induced by 310‐Helices to β‐Sheet Transition in WaterFri Oct 04 2019

New post - A Short Peptide Hydrogel with High Stiffness Induced by 310‐Helices to β‐Sheet Transition in Water (https://www.nanoworld.com/blog/a-short-peptide-hydrogel-with-high-stiffness-induced-by-310%e2%80%90helices-to-%ce%b2%e2%80%90sheet-transition-in-water/) has been published on NanoWorld Blog. In the article “A Short Peptide Hydrogel with High Stiffness Induced by 310‐Helices to β‐Sheet Transition in Water” by Shu Hui Hiew, Harini Mohanram, Lulu Ning, Jingjing Guo, Antoni Sánchez‐Ferrer, Xiangyan Shi, Konstantin Pervushin, Yuguang Mu, Raffaele Mezzenga and Ali Miserez, a short biomimetic peptide composed of eight amino acid residues derived from squid sucker ring teeth proteins is demonstrated to form hydrogel in water without any cross‐linking agent or chemical modification and exhibits a stiffness on par with the stiffest peptide hydrogels. Their study broadens the range of sec #hydrogel #PeptideHydrogels #AtomicForceMicroscopy #BiomedicalMaterials

In-house grown diamond microspheres attached to our tipless HQ:CSC38 series cantileversMon Sep 30 2019

In-house grown diamond microspheres attached to our tipless HQ:CSC38 series cantilevers for probing mechanical properties of different materials. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00693 #AtomicForceMicroscopy #AFMProbes #Nanomechanics #ForceSpectroscopy

Second Day MNE 2019 – NANOSENSORS BlogTue Sep 24 2019

Published new post (Second Day MNE 2019) on NANOSENSORS Blog It is the second day of #MNE2019. Have you already had a chance to meet our CEO Manfred Detterbeck there and discuss the many applications that are possible using our #AFMprobes for #AtomicForceMicroscopy? Manfred Detterbeck is attending the 45th International Conference on Micro & Nano Engineering this week. You too? #nanotechnology #nanofabrication #AFMprobes #microtechnology

Nonlinear Biomechanical Characteristics of Deep Deformation of Native RBC Membranes in Normal State and under Modifier ActionMon Sep 23 2019

Published new post (Nonlinear Biomechanical Characteristics of Deep Deformation of Native RBC Membranes in Normal State and under Modifier Action) on NANOSENSORS Blog The mechanical properties and structural organization of membranes determine the functional state of red blood cells (RBCs). Deformability is one of the key physiological and biophysical indicators of RBC. Changes of the mechanical characteristics of cell membranes can lead to a decrease in the rate of capillary blood flow and to development of stagnant phenomena in the microcirculation, and it can also reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues.* In the article “Nonlinear Biomechanical Characteristics of Deep Deformation of Native RBC Membranes in Normal State and under Modifier Action” Elena Kozlova, Aleksandr Chernysh, Ekaterina Manchenko, Viktoria Sergunova and Viktor Moroz describe how they evaluated the ability of membranes of native human red blood cells (RBCs) to bend into the cell to a depth comparable in size with physiological deformations using the methods of atomic force microscopy ( AFM ) and atomic force spectroscopy ( AFS ).* As a true estimation of the elastic properties of RBC membranes can be obtained only by measurement of native cell properties the aim of the experiments was to study nonlinear mechanical characteristics of deep deformation of native RBC membranes in normal state and under the action of modifiers, in vitro to make sure that the result would be the closest to the characteristics of a living biological object.* NANOSENSORS™ rounded AFM tips of the type SD-R150-T3L450B with a typical tip radius of 150 nm from the NANOSENSORS Special Developments List were used to measure the deformation of the RBC membrane by atomic force spectroscopy ( AFS ).* https://www.nanosensors.com/pdf/SpecialDevelopmentsList.pdf Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article

https://www.nanoworld.com/blog/