Fine DNA structure revealed by constant height frequency modulation AFM imaging

Few examples of sub nanometer resolution on biomolecules can be found in literature. In particular, AFM experiments on DNA mostly fail to show the double helical groove periodicity, and so far such a feat was only achieved in liquid. Here we describe a method that produces highly resolved images of DNA where contrast can be assigned to submolecular features such as DNA helix's grooves. Two types of AFM experiments are presented: (1) We started by imaging DNA with Frequency Modulation (FM) AFM, where a shift in resonance frequency is used as a feedback signal and maintained constant during imaging. With FM-AFM we performed experiments in the non-contact (NC) mode, with z-feedback on, where only gentle (few tens of pN) non compressive force is applied between the tip and the sample. (2) Then we switched off the z-feedback and scanned the DNA sample at constant height measuring frequency modulation in order to acquire frequency shift maps of the sample. This was done at several separations including the distances where the frequency feedback is not stable due to the non-monotonicity of the frequency shift curve. At this distance sub-molecular resolution was reached and a calculation of the tip-sample van der Wools interaction at constant height, as well as the periodicity of the observed features that ranges from 3 to 5 nm, suggest that these correspond to the DNA helix grooves. This is the first experimental study where submolecular features of single DNA molecules are observed in dry environment. The knowledge of DNA structure when dried and deposited on flat substrates is important for proper understanding of DNA's electronic behavior and its eventual nanotechnology applications. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cryo-AFM development for high resolution DNA imaging and spectroscopy

Susana del Carmen Tobenas Borron

The thesis presents the development of a custom made atomic force microscope (AFM) conceived to image biological molecules at low temperatures in ultrahigh vacuum conditions, and its application to DNA single molecule studies. Starting from a first prototype working in contact mode, our aim was to implement non-contact AFM in order to reduce possible sample damaging due to strong tip interactions. The first chapter of the thesis discusses the technical solutions developed to improve the previous system. A complete setup for in situ exchange of samples and tips was designed and implemented. This permits a continuous operation of the microscope under the experimental conditions of UHV. Thermal instabilities and temperature differences between the tip and the sample were solved with the design of a movable shield to avoid heating by thermal radiation. The introduction of a new high voltage signal generator with variable frequency and the development of a user-friendly LabVIEW interface to communicate with this device notably improved the piezomotors driving. These piezomotors perform the micro-positioning of all the microscope parts and are driven through this interface. Finally, the previous tip-holder design was modified to incorporate a piezo actuator behind the cantilever, which provides the necessary excitation for the implementation of dynamic AFM modes. The installation of a Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuit to lock the cantilever frequency and the replacement of old feedback electronics for a digital SPM Controller, with advanced options of frequency-shift feedback, was another requirement for the correct implementation of non-contact AFM. The second chapter deals with DNA sample preparation for high resolution imaging by AFM. Based on our studies, the advantages and drawbacks of the most commonly used techniques for DNA adsorption are discussed in detail. Our measurements in contact mode demonstrate the convenience of using hydrophobic substrates for high resolution DNA imaging. At hydrophilic surfaces, like mica, the presence of a thin water layer could be responsible of strong adhesion forces between the cantilever and the sample. In order to overcome this limitation we tested HOPG as hydrophobic substrate. HOPG, chemically modified with amphiphilic compounds, allowed us to deposit DNA without molecular damage or stress. The HOPG surface treatment was significantly improved. New protocols were developed to control the formation of dodecylamine disordered monolayers or lamella structures on the substrate. The lamella formation induces a subsequent self assembly of DNA single molecules. In the last chapter we discuss our results on DNA imaging obtained with the different operation modes implemented in our microscope: contact mode, tapping mode and frequency modulation (non-contact) AFM. We conclude that the last one provides higher signal stability and the necessary sensitivity to observe DNA details at a single-molecule level. We also present a study of frequency shift versus distance dependence (force spectroscopy experiments) performed in DNA samples. We discuss for the first time a plausible explanation to the origin of the atomic force contrast between the substrate and the DNA molecules. Force spectroscopy measurements performed along DNA molecules reveal two distinguishable types of interaction. This result suggests that the chemical composition of the minor-major groove and/or of the sugar-phosphate backbone along the molecule can be detected, opening numerous possibilities for further studies and applications of this technique.

EPFL2008

FM-AFM constant height imaging and force curves: high resolution study of DNA-tip interactions

Livan Bladimir Alonso Sarduy, Andrea Cerreta, Giovanni Dietler, Dusan Vobornik

Interaction of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip with the sample can be invasive for soft samples. Frequency Modulation (FM) AFM is gentler because it allows scanning in the non-contact regime where only attractive forces exist between the tip and the sample, and there is no sample compression. Recently, FM-AFM was used to resolve the atomic structure of single molecules of pentacene and of carbon nanotubes. We are testing similar FM-AFM-based approaches to study biological samples. We present FM-AFM experiments on dsDNA deposited on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified mica in ultra high vacuum. With flexible samples such as DNA, the substrate flatness is a sub-molecular resolution limiting factor. Non-contact topographic images of DNA show variations that have the periodicity of the right handed helix of B-form DNA - this is an unexpected result as dehydrated DNA is thought to assume the A-form structure. Frequency shift maps at constant height allow working in the non-monotonic frequency shift range, show a rich contrast that changes significantly with the tip-sample separation, and show 0.2 to 0.4 nm size details on DNA. Frequency shift versus distance curves acquired on DNA molecules and converted in force curves show that for small molecules (height

Wiley-Blackwell2012

Cryo-AFM development for high resolution DNA imaging and spectroscopy

Susana del Carmen Tobenas Borron

EPFL2008