Biological interactions surface topography

The analysis of biomolecules by AFM is sometimes [3] referred to as surface biology, as opposed to the so-called test-tube biology, because the immobilisation of oligonucleotides on sohd surfaces is central to the design, fabrication and operation of DNA-based microdevices, such as biosensors, DNA micro- and nanoarrays, microPCR and lab-on-a-chip devices. As the analysed biomolecules are in close contact and very often in intimate interaction with the surface, sample preparation for the AFM analysis of surface-immobihsed biomolecules is both critical and dehcate. The biomolecules need to be firmly anchored on the substrate, which has to have a sufficiently minimal or easily discriminated topography [1]. The Kleinschmidt method [6] for the DNA... 

The important material properties which can influence protein and cell interactions at the biomaterial-biologic interface are listed in Table 2. It is probable that surface composition and topography most strongly influence the composition and organization of the initial adsorbed protein layer It is this layer which mediates subsequent cellular events at that interface. Thus, a great deal of effort has gone into surface modifications and characterization of polymeric biomaterials. 

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