A Versatile and Simple Approach to Electrochemical Colloidal Probes for Direct Force Measurements.

The colloidal probe technique, which is based on micrometer-sized colloidal particles that are attached to the end of a cantilever, revolutionized direct force measurements by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Its major advantages are a defined interaction geometry and a high force sensitivity. Here, we present a versatile and simple approach for preparing spherical electrodes in the micrometer range on an otherwise insulated AFM cantilever.

Electrokinetics in Micro-channeled Cantilevers: Extending the Toolbox for Reversible Colloidal Probes and AFM-Based Nanofluidics.

The combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with nanofluidics, also referred to as FluidFM, has facilitated new applications in scanning ion conductance microscopy, direct force measurements, lithography, or controlled nanoparticle deposition. An essential element of this new type of AFMs is its cantilever, which bears an internal micro-channel with a defined aperture at the end. Here, we present a new approach for in-situ characterization of the internal micro-channels, which is non-destructive and based on electrochemical methods.

The Next Generation of Colloidal Probes: A Universal Approach for Soft and Ultra-Small Particles.

The colloidal probe technique, which is based on the atomic force microscope, revolutionizes direct force measurements in many fields, such as interface science or biomechanics. It allows for the first time to determine interaction forces on the single particle or cell level. However, for many applications, important "blind spots" remain, namely, the possibility to probe interaction potentials for nanoparticles or complex colloids with a soft outer shell.

Simulations of 3D bioprinting: predicting bioprintability of nanofibrillar inks.

3D bioprinting with cell containing bioinks show great promise in the biofabrication of patient specific tissue constructs. To fulfil the multiple requirements of a bioink, a wide range of materials and bioink composition are being developed and evaluated with regard to cell viability, mechanical performance and printability. It is essential that the printability and printing fidelity is not neglected since failure in printing the targeted architecture may be catastrophic for the survival of the cells and consequently the function of the printed tissue.

Extending the limits of direct force measurements: colloidal probes from sub-micron particles.

Direct force measurements by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with the colloidal probe technique are widely used to determine interaction forces in colloidal systems. However, a number of limitations are still preventing a more universal applicability of this technique. Currently, one of the most significant limitations is that only particles with diameters of several micrometers can be used as probe particles.

Writing with Fluid: Structuring Hydrogels with Micrometer Precision by AFM in Combination with Nanofluidics.

Hydrogels have many applications in biomedical surface modification and tissue engineering. However, the structuring of hydrogels after their formation represents still a major challenge, in particular due to their softness. Here, a novel approach is presented that is based on the combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanofluidics, also referred to as FluidFM technology.

Atomic force microscopy with nanoelectrode tips for high resolution electrochemical, nanoadhesion and nanoelectrical imaging.

Multimodal nano-imaging in electrochemical environments is important across many areas of science and technology. Here, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) using an atomic force microscope (AFM) platform with a nanoelectrode probe is reported. In combination with PeakForce tapping AFM mode, the simultaneous characterization of surface topography, quantitative nanomechanics, nanoelectronic properties, and electrochemical activity is demonstrated.

Showing particles their place: deterministic colloid immobilization by gold nanomeshes.

The defined immobilization of colloidal particles on a non-close packed lattice on solid substrates is a challenging task in the field of directed colloidal self-assembly. In this contribution the controlled self-assembly of polystyrene beads into chemically modified nanomeshes with a high particle surface coverage is demonstrated. For this, solely electrostatic interaction forces were exploited by the use of topographically shallow gold nanomeshes.

A direct biocombinatorial strategy toward next generation, mussel-glue inspired saltwater adhesives.

Biological materials exhibit remarkable, purpose-adapted properties that provide a source of inspiration for designing new materials to meet the requirements of future applications. For instance, marine mussels are able to attach to a broad spectrum of hard surfaces under hostile conditions. Controlling wet-adhesion of synthetic macromolecules by analogue processes promises to strongly impact materials sciences by offering advanced coatings, adhesives, and glues.

Surface properties of spider silk particles in solution.

Recombinant spider silk proteins, such as eADF4(C16), can be used for various applications. Colloidal particles of eADF4(C16) show potential as drug delivery systems. Tuning the colloidal properties of suspensions of eADF4(C16) particles represents a major prerequisite for their use in pharmaceutical formulations.