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Simultaneous Topography and RECognition Mapping with PicoTREC - a new technology to map ligand-receptor interactions, study biological processes, or probe nanometer-scale molecular binding sites on a variety of surfaces

Gerald Kada 

Molecular Imaging Corp, Mitterbauerweg 4, Linz 4020, Austria

Abstract

AFM/SPM (Atomic Force Microscopy/Scanning Probe Microscopy) can be used to image active protein molecules or living cells in a non-destructive manner. In addition, a variety of molecules can be attached to AFM cantilevers, making them chemically selective sensors for studying individual molecular interactions.
PicoTRECTM is a new Topography and RECognition imaging solution that requires no fluorescence, radioactivity, enzyme-linked detection schemes or other extraneous labels. It combines real-time detection of molecular recognition events and single-molecule sensitivity with the imaging capability of AFM/SPM. PicoTREC allows a researcher to quickly determine where specific, single molecule binding interactions occur on a sample, and resolves them from surface topography information. For example, when a drug or antibody are attached to an AFM/SPM tip, the forces involved in binding events with target molecules are detected and resolved by PicoTREC. The technique is being used to detect binding forces between antibodies and antigens, ligands and receptors, chemical bonds, and charge-charge interactions.
Consequently, entire maps of individual binding sites can quickly and easily be obtained across a variety surfaces. PicoTREC will be demonstrated on the avidin-biotin system with tip-bound ligands and antibodies, and on "adhesion-mapping" on single ferritin molecules and living cells.

 

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Presentation: poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2004, Symposium A, by Gerald Kada
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2004

Submitted: 2004-07-08 20:00
Revised:   2009-06-08 12:55