Atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy and solid surface analysis: The atomic force microscope was initially designed to obtain high-resolution topographic images of surfaces (up to atomic resolution under ideal conditions). A number of techniques have been developed to study the physical and material properties of sample surfaces. A recently installed atomic force microscope in the Pharmaceutics Department is able to perform a range of these techniques, including the ability to investigate differences in friction, adhesion, elasticity and hardness. It is possible to conduct studies on hard (e.g., solid drug particles) or soft (e.g., red blood cell membranes) samples in a dry (or wet) environment under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.