Mechanical properties and force detection by AFM
An atomic force microscope (AFM) is a very high resolution microscope which uses a cantilever to probe the topological and mechanical properties of materials. Our research focus is on mechanical force measurements by the AFM. Specifically we use lateral force microscopy to measure mechanical properties of individual nanofibers including fibrin fibers and electrospun fibers.
Electrospinning
Electrospun nanofibers have great potential for uses in many fields including regenerative medicine, filtration, and drug delivery. Our lab aims to measurem the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers formed under various conditions. Specifically, using a high voltage source and particular collecting conditions we are able to produce aligned fibers. We can then determine the effect of alignment on the physical properties of the individual fibers using AFM.
Fibrin Fibers and Fibrin Clots
The blood protein fibirnogen is a key component in blood clots. During cloting it becomes activated and forms nanofibers that give structural integrity and regidity to clots. Using various techniques we study individual fibers and whole clots formed from fibrinogen.
For example, using confocal and scanning electron microscopy we investigate the structure of fibrin clots formed under various conditions. From the acquired images we can gain information about fibrin polymerization, fibrin fiber density, and branch point density.Additionly, we use spectroscopy to determine kinetic details about polymerization and AFM to measure individual fiber extensibility and stiffness.
Other lab capabilities and activities involve but are not limited to
- UV-Vis spectrophotometry
Protein gel electrophoresis
Soft lithography
Permeability
Polarized FTIR