Innovative microscopies for the measurements of biological parameters can be helpful to reduce environmental impact, to prevent food contamination and poisoning and to assess the biocompatibility of nano-materials. In this frame, we applied scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to a model system constituted by Clostridium tyrobutyricum dormant spores and their vegetative cells. SNOM was used to acquire the information about optical properties of C tyrobutyricum? spores with sub-wavelength resolution. Comparing reflection and transmission SNOM images revealed the presence of structures inside the spores. A detailed topographic study of the spore's external layers was carried out with AFM. To obtain information about the morphology of spores and vegetative cells at the nano-scale level, we applied AFM in the lateral force mode, that allowed us to have a qualitative picture of the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the spore coat.
Preliminary results of combined scanning near-field optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy applied to a model biological system: Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores
PARMIGIANI, FULVIO
2009-01-01
Abstract
Innovative microscopies for the measurements of biological parameters can be helpful to reduce environmental impact, to prevent food contamination and poisoning and to assess the biocompatibility of nano-materials. In this frame, we applied scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to a model system constituted by Clostridium tyrobutyricum dormant spores and their vegetative cells. SNOM was used to acquire the information about optical properties of C tyrobutyricum? spores with sub-wavelength resolution. Comparing reflection and transmission SNOM images revealed the presence of structures inside the spores. A detailed topographic study of the spore's external layers was carried out with AFM. To obtain information about the morphology of spores and vegetative cells at the nano-scale level, we applied AFM in the lateral force mode, that allowed us to have a qualitative picture of the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the spore coat.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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