Alfa Chemistry has an advanced colloidal probe technology platform capable of accurately measuring the interaction force, deformation and nanorheology between colloidal particles and planar substrates or between two colloidal particles. Our colloidal probe AFM is designed to study the interaction forces between a variety of matrices such as polymer microspheres, microcapsules, biological cells, droplets and bubbles, providing you with comprehensive technical characterization.
Fig.1 Colloid probe technology[1]
Our Platform for Colloid Probe Technology
Alfa Chemistry's colloidal probe technology platform can study the interaction properties of micro-nanostructured surfaces. Our services include the preparation, characterization of colloidal probes, and the interaction between substrates.
- Colloidal Probe Preparation
We are able to prepare single colloidal particles of silica or polystyrene in the range of a few micrometers in diameter, and we can also use soft objects such as hydrogel beads as colloidal probes. In addition, we can chemically modify the prepared colloidal probes to reduce the influence of the probe's own performance on subsequent tests.
Fig.2 Preparation process of silica colloidal probe (A, B) and its chemical modification process (C−E).[2]
- Characterization of Colloidal Probes
In order to confirm the success of colloidal probe preparation and chemical modification, we will use XPS, contact angle test, scanning electron microscope analysis, etc. to characterize the colloidal probes.
Fig. 3 SEM characterization of colloidal probe radius.[3]
- Mechanical Characterization
Our mechanical characterization includes determining adhesion behavior, mechanical properties or other interaction forces.
Fig. 4 Contact angle of each nanostructure surface and adhesion force of DOPA to each nanostructure surface.[2]
Advantages of Colloidal Probes
- Spherical colloids with smooth surface are ideal interface systems.
- Colloidal probes have a larger interaction area and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
- Colloidal probes are easier to control the chemical composition of the probe, and the spheres can be functionalized by direct attachment, chemical grafting, or coating.
References
- Singh G, et al. Colloid-probe AFM studies of the interaction forces of proteins adsorbed on colloidal crystals. Soft Matter. 2015, 11(16):3188-3197.
- ZHANG, Wei, Yu, et al. Study of Interactions between 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine and Surfaces with Nano-, Micro- and Hierarchical Structures Using Colloidal Probe Technology. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica. 2017.
- Indrieri M, et al. Adhesive-free colloidal probes for nanoscale force measurements: production and characterization. Review of Scientific Instruments. 2011, 82(2):930.
- Mark A, et al. The Next Generation of Colloidal Probes: A Universal Approach for Soft and Ultra‐Small Particles. Small. 2019.
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