What is afm in medical terms?

So, you’ve heard of microscopes and their amazing magnification powers? Well, let us introduce you to a real game-changer in the field – AFM or Atomic Force Microscopy!

Microscopically speaking, size matters. The smaller an object is, the harder it is to study up close. And that’s where AFM comes into play: allowing scientists a glimpse into the nanoworld like never before.
Wondering what this whole new phenomenon holds for medicine? Buckle up as we take on this atomic journey.

What Is AFM Exactly?

AFM stands for Atomic Force Microscopy- quite literally its primary focus is imaging surfaces at an atomic scale by detecting forces in between an atomically fine-tipped probe (‘the tip’) and sample surface (‘the substrate’) with variations from electrostatics, van der Waals attraction/repulsion interaction.

Sounds super geeky? Here’s all you need to know- jargon-free:

AFM enables researches to get insights into various biological applications & domains such as life sciences,(see COVID-19) biophysics and nanomedicine.

Plus there’re 2 common techniques;

  • Contact mode
  • Non-contact mode

Although both these methods are used explicitly depending on specific needs.

“Tip” Top Technology

Nanotechnology employs a nanoprobe/tip design consisting of cantilever beams suited for ‘push-pull’ interactions featuring chemical mapping beneath cellular membranes (mind-blowing). The deflection of this beam can be measured using photodiode which reports positional shifts enabling image formation at higher resolution levels (< .01 nm).

Well then… but why use it?

Why Scientists Love This Methodology

High-resolution spatial visualization delivered through non-destructive strain minimizes loss of samples. Therefore modernizing in-vivo imaging, this method’s risen to the top of contemporary medical scientific research.

Furthermore, its reasonable capability for bio-molecule recognition provides potential in diagnosing chronic diseases like cancer, inflammation and pathogenic infections with a molecular-level approach.

Let’s Talk Medical Applications

Now that we’ve covered what AFM is let’s dive into the real questions: what are its practical advantages in medicine? And can it provide any realistic therapeutic solutions?

Well as aforementioned high resolution isolated biomolecular-probe studies aid diagnosis.

1. Drug Discovery

Drug discovery targeting specific molecules marked by disease-causing organisms/compounds is made easy by nanoscale mappings using AFM produced digital images. Wherein drug distribution can potentially be controlled based on size/mass (below <2000 Da) within diseased cells/tissues providing directed drug innovation.

2. DNA Testing & Genome Analysis

Not-so-serious note here… but those who’ve seen the popular Netflix series Criminal: UK would already know about DNA testing accuracy debates : )

In all honesty, The high acuity detection facilitated through non-contact mode even competes with PCR methods for quantification of genetic factors! Used extensively now in gene mutation analysis & mapping unique characteristics which define personal genomics (and perhaps exoneration).

3. Early Detection Of Infectious Diseases

AFM techniques cater entirely to early infection detection; various enterprising assays have been developed over recent years emphasizing infectious particle morphologic alteration characteristic study allowing earlier detectability eventually aiding treatment strategies too.

Final Statement – ‘A Quantum Leap’

Atomic force microscopy has emerged as an eclectic powerhouse device dictating precise cell exploration at micron levels enabling novel insights towards cellular interactions.
This tool will most probably enable us further insight into complex biological problems providing better physical characterization ultimately resulting in meticulous measures leading to advanced therapeutics invention : )

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