Abstract
In this report electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used to study different peptide
self-assembled structures, such as tubes and particles. It is shown that not only
geometrical information can be obtained using EFM, but also information about the
composition of different structures. In particular we use EFM to investigate the
structures of diphenylalanine peptide tubes, particles, and CSGAITIG peptide
particles placed on pre-fabricated SiO2 surfaces with a backgate. We show that the
cavity in the peptide tubes could be to the presence of water residues. Additionally we
show that self-assembled amyloid peptides form spherical solid structures containing
the same self-assembled peptide in its interior. In both cases transmission electron
microscopy is used to verify these structures. Further, the limitations of the EFM
technique are discussed, especially when the observed structures become small
compared to the radius of the AFM tip used. Finally, an agreement between the
detected signal and the structure of the hollow peptide tubes is demonstrated.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Scanning |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 201-207 |
ISSN | 0161-0457 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Keywords
- Self-assembly
- Electrostatic force microscopy
- Peptide nanoparticles
- Peptide nanotubes