NanoWizard Ultra Speed 2 High-Speed Atomic Force Microscope for Biomedical Research

Project Summary The objective of this Shared Instrumentation application is to obtain an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to facilitate biomedical research at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (COM) in Hershey PA. AFM provides a suite of tools allowing research access to topographical, nanomechanical and biophysical information for biological samples under hydrated conditions. Importantly, the ability to place a small probe in light contact with biological substances allows for the measurement of a variety of interaction forces between biological entities, providing valuable information about how biology interacts. Currently, the only AFM available at Hershey is a 23 year old Multimode AFM located in the PI's lab, and while efforts have been made to accommodate the varied needs of COM researchers, the equipment is simply incapable of completing many of the desired studies at sufficient resolution. The instrument we have chosen, the NanoWizard Ultra Speed 2 High Speed Atomic Force Microscope from Bruker, along with a set of associated accessories, will support 14 different COM researchers (8 major users, 6 minor users) named on this application, along with what we expect to be a substantial number of new researchers once the instrument becomes available. This instrument comes with a superior breadth of applications along with performance metrics making it suitable for the largest range of users. The array of projects that will be supported by the instrument and included in this application (most of which are NIH funded) include oncology, ophthalmology, neuroscience, dermatology, vascular biology, virology, motor proteins, medical devices and biomaterials. These applications will utilize the NanoWizard AFM modes ranging from traditional imaging to nanomechanical mapping, a wide array of studies utilizing force-distance spectroscopy, and integration between the AFM and optical/fluorescence microscopy techniques. Acquisition of this equipment will provide an invaluable resource to Penn State researchers which will enable progress in the treatment of disease, and will eventually lead to improvements in patient care and health, contributing to the goals of the NIH and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.