Advancing Virology Research with High-Resolution AFM Imaging

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a uniquely powerful tool for virology research. High-resolution imaging techniques, including both AFM and electron microscopy, can easily resolve the size and shape of virus particles and even the organization of capsomeres in their capsid protein shells.
However, unlike electron microscopy, AFM can also examine viruses in near-physiological conditions and measure their dynamic response to changing environmental conditions including temperature, pH, and the presence of drug molecules.

This application note describes:

• Detailed visualization of virus structures and capsomere arrangement
• Studying the heat inactivation of viruses
• Observing the effect of chemicals, drugs, or antibodies on viruses
• Using video-rate AFM to visualize dynamic processes