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ECM Macromolecules: Height-mapping and Nano-mechanics Using Atomic Force Microscopy

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Extracellular Matrix Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 522))

Summary

The atomic force microscope (AFM) may be used to collect quantitative height data from extracellular matrix molecules and macro-molecular assemblies adsorbed to a wide range of solid substrates. The advantages of atomic force microscopy include rapid specimen preparation, which does not rely on chemical fixation, dehydration or heavy-metal staining, and sub-nanometre resolution imaging with a high signal–noise ratio. In combination with complimentary techniques such as molecular combing and by exploiting the ability to act as a force spectrometer, the AFM can provide valuable information on the nano-mechanical properties of extracellular matrix components.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Life Sciences, The Medical School, Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK

    Michael J. Sherratt

Authors
  1. Nigel W. Hodson
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  2. Cay M. Kielty
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  3. Michael J. Sherratt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael J. Sherratt .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Gene Therapy Inst., Hadassah Univ. Hospital, Jerusalem, 91 120, Israel

    Sharona Even-Ram

  2. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Ctr., Georgetown University, Reservoir Rd. NW., 3970, Washington, 20057-1468, U.S.A.

    Vira Artym

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Hodson, N., Kielty, C., Sherratt, M. (2009). ECM Macromolecules: Height-mapping and Nano-mechanics Using Atomic Force Microscopy. In: Even-Ram, S., Artym, V. (eds) Extracellular Matrix Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 522. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-413-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-413-1_7

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-984-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-413-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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