Atomic force microscopy methodology and AFMech Suite software for nanomechanics on heterogeneous soft materials

Massimiliano Galluzzi, Guanlin Tang, Chandra S. Biswas, Jinlai Zhao, Shiguo Chen and Florian J. Stadler ()
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Massimiliano Galluzzi: Shenzhen University
Guanlin Tang: Shenzhen University
Chandra S. Biswas: Shenzhen University
Jinlai Zhao: Shenzhen University
Shiguo Chen: Shenzhen University
Florian J. Stadler: Shenzhen University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Atomic force microscopy has proven to be a valuable technique to characterize the mechanical and morphological properties of heterogeneous soft materials such as biological specimens in liquid environment. Here we propose a 3-step method in order to investigate biological specimens where heterogeneity hinder a quantitative characterization: (1) precise AFM calibration, (2) nano-indentation in force volume mode, (3) array of finite element simulations built from AFM indentation events. We combine simulations to determine internal geometries, multi-layer material properties, and interfacial friction. In order to easily perform this analysis from raw AFM data to simulation comparison, we propose a standalone software, AFMech Suite comprising five interacting interfaces for simultaneous calibration, morphology, adhesion, mechanical, and simulation analysis. We test the methodology on soft hydrogels with hard spherical inclusions, as a soft-matter model system. Finally, we apply the method on E. coli bacteria supported on soft/hard hydrogels to prove usefulness in biological field.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05902-1

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