Scanning probe microscopy as a tool for investigation of biomaterials

Abstract

Super-microscopic techniques like scanning tunnelling microscopy, atomic force microscopy or scanning near-field optical microscopy allows investigate micro- and/or nano-scale surfaces and structures. In this paper, both Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and Scanning near field optical microscope (SNOM) have been applied to more closely study of biomaterials. The results of visualization of human osteo-sarcoma cell line (U2OS) are compared. SNOM and ESEM yield different, however, comparable and complementary information on studied biological samples.