Modiﬁed AFM Probes and Surfaces
Modiﬁed AFM probes and surfaces are powerful tools for nanoscale research. Novascan
Technologies is the leading source of functionalized AFM probes and modiﬁed surfaces
worldwide. Clientele beneﬁt from a wealth of experience, proven protocols and client relationships unmatched in the industry.

Beneﬁts• Eliminate the time and effort required to develop effective
and reliable modiﬁcation techniques in-house• Proven reliability of modiﬁcation protocols• Large catalog of modiﬁcations provides greater opportunity
for expanding the breadth of your experiments• Excellent technical support and unbeaten customer service
Particle Probes

Unmodiﬁed Mica

Modiﬁed Probes
Modiﬁed probes are a perfect compliment to nearly any
atomic force microscope application. Novascan maintains aninventory of commercially available AFM probes for modiﬁcation. Choose from a variety of particle materials and sizes,
deﬁned chemistries and metallic coatings. Novascan’s Probeand Surface Laboratory technicians welcome the opportunity to discuss custom work, including protein conjugation.

Modiﬁed Surfaces
In addition to modiﬁed AFM probes, Novascan has developed
a number of protocols for modifying mica and glass substrates.
Common protocols include the application of gold coatingsand deﬁned surface chemistries. Discussion of custom modiﬁcations is welcomed.
Gold Coated Mica

Potential Applications

Custom Particle
Attachment

Hydrophillic/Hydrophobic Interactions
Attractive/Repulsive Regimes
Chemical Sensing and Detection
Intermolecular Force Measurement
Intramolecular Force Measurement
Surface Mapping
Adhesion Forces
Unbinding Forces

Voice 515.233.5400
Fax 515.233.5151
info@novascan.com
Speciﬁcations
AFM Probe Modiﬁcations
Spring Constant and Particle Options
Novascan’s Probe Laboratory modiﬁes commercially available AFM probes. Standard probe compositionand spring constant information appears below. In most cases, the Probe Lab can also modify cantilevers
supplied by clients. Please inquire as to the feasibility of using your probes for a given probe modiﬁcation.
Probe Type/Spring Constant
Silicon (N/m): 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.65, 0.95, 1.75, 4.5, 7.5, 14
Silicon Nitride (N/m): 0.06, 0.12, 0.32, 0.58
Other probes can be special ordered
Particle Materials/Sizes
Metallic CoatingsGoldBorosilicate Glass (µm): 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20
SiO2 (µm): 0.6, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20
Platinum
Polystyrene (µm): 1, 4.5, 10, 25, 45
Polyethylene (µm): Please Inquire
Tungsten (µm): 5, 10Deﬁned Chemistries
Alkanethiols: COOH, CH3, NH2, OH, Succinimide
PEG Linkers: PEG/COOH, PEG/NH2, PEG/Maleimide, PEG/Biotin
Silanes: APTES
Biotin/Streptavidin/Neutravidin
Protein and Antibody Conjugation
Novascan’s probe technicians have developed several protocols for the conjugation of proteins to unmodiﬁed and particle modiﬁed AFM probes. The addition of linking molecules
such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) is often required. Please inquire as to the feasibility of using speciﬁc proteins.

AFM Grade Surface Modiﬁcations
Substrates
Novascan’s Probe Laboratory modiﬁes AFM grade surfaces. Standard modiﬁcations include deﬁned chemistries and metallic coatings. AFM grade, red muscovite mica and 12mm round glass are available as substrates. The modiﬁcations below may be used with either substrate.
Deﬁned Chemistries
Alkanethiols: COOH, CH3, NH2, OH, Succinimide
PEG Linkers: PEG/COOH, PEG/NH2, PEG/Maleimide, PEG/Biotin
Silanes: APTES
Biotin/Streptavidin/Neutravidin

Metallic Coatings
GoldPlatinum

Custom Modiﬁcations
Novascan Technologies welcomes the opportunity to discuss custom probe and surface modiﬁcations.
Custom modiﬁcations include unique particle attachment and alternative chemical and protein conjugations. Feel free to contact Novascan to discuss your application.