Asylum Research

MFP-3D-BIO Atomic Force Microscope

The Most Advanced AFM for Bioscience Applications

The MFP-3D-BIO is a high-performance Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) designed specifically for biological applications. It is a versatile AFM that combines molecular resolution imaging and pN force-based measurements on an inverted optical microscope. Combined with its ultra-low noise performance and unprecedented precision and accuracy, the MFP-3D-BIO has raised the bar for AFM instrumentation in bioscience research.

What Sets the MFP-3D-BIO apart?

Advanced Optical Capabilities

The MFP-3D-BIO sets the industry standard for integration of optical microscopy and AFM. Locate your sample features using brightfield, Zernike phase contrast, or fluorescence, then zoom into the nanometer scale with an AFM scan. AFM can be combined with such powerful optical microscopy techniques as confocal, FRET, FRAP, and TIRF, including the capability to synchronize with confocal measurements.

The superluminescent diode and additional optics minimizes interference with fluorescent signals. Advanced software capabilities allow the researcher to display results intuitively in 3D, then use powerful analysis and scripting tools to extract and graph quantitative information. No other AFM can match the performance for combined AFM and optical microscopies.

Lowest Noise

The MFP-3D-BIO has unprecedented, low noise performance for high resolution imaging of the most delicate bio samples, even when placed onto an inverted microscope.The low coherence optical lever also allows for low noise, high quality force curves by eliminating optical interference.

Environmental Controls

Optional accessories include the Closed Fluid Cell and BioHeater™ which can be used to conduct dynamic experiments and maintain living cells under physiological temperatures. With both options, the user can operate in a completely sealed environment with multiple ports available for fluid, gas and electrical access. The components can be easily cleaned and sterilized.

Imaging in Liquid

The MFP-3D-BIO makes it easy to scan samples in buffer or medium. The standard cantilever holder is compatible with both air and liquids. Constructed from Kel-F, stainless steel and fused quartz, it resists the harshest conditions during operation and cleaning. The design of cantilever holder attachment minimizes damage to head due to fluid leaks. Built-in thermal cantilever spectra enable rapid tuning of the cantilever for AC mode in liquids.

Flexibility of use

It is fairly easy to combine the MFP-3D-BIO with other hardware, such as photo diodes, lasers, or even entire confocal microscopes, thanks to its open source software concept and 100% digital controller. You can reroute signal lines with a click of the mouse while measuring, thus configuring your system exactly to your needs when interfacing to other lab equipment. For instance, mounting a bent fiber instead of the AFM cantilever and make the main feedback loop look at your Avalanche Photo Diode pulse counter output is a question of minutes.

Features

Low Noise Scan Head and XY Scanner

• 16 µm Z range is standard. Up to 40 µm Z range (optional).
• Superluminescent diode with an 860nm wavelength yields a flat baseline in force curves and images, and enables use of red fluorophores (Texas Red, Cy5).
• The flat scanner design isolates the piezos from damage by fluids. Its closed loop operation with extremely quiet sensors ensures precise motion for force measurements and nanolithography applications. 90µm XY scan range.
• X&Y sensor noise <0.6nm average deviation (Adev) in a 0.1Hz - 1kHz bandwidth and sensor non-linearity <0.5% (Adev/full travel) at full scan. Z sensor noise <0.3nm Adev in a 0.1Hz - 1kHz BW and Z sensor non-linearity less than 0.2% (Adev/full travel) at full scan.
• Optical lever noise <0.03nm Adev in a 0.1Hz to 1kHz BW.
• Built-in nanolithography and nanomanipulation capabilities with MicroAngelo™.

Stage

• The MFP-3D-BIO mounts on a commercial inverted optical microscope (Nikon, Zeiss or Olympus) accomodating existing hardware. AFM flexibly combines with many optical techniques such as bright field, phase, epifluorescence,TIRF, FRET, confocal, etc.
• Accepts all high numerical objectives including those for TIRF.
• Dual positioners control alignment between the tip, the optics, and the sample.
• High resolution optical view allows easy positioning of the sample for AFM imaging.
• Laser safety interlock is available for TIRF, confocal and laser-trapping experiments.

Choice of Bases

The AFM sits on a specially-designed base that replaces the stage of the inverted optical microscope. We support the Nikon TE200, 300, 2000; Olympus IX 51, 70, 71, 81(with option); Zeiss AxioObserver/Axiovert200.

Advanced Optics

• The Top View module uses a Plan APO 10x/NA 0.28 objective integrated in the scan head and enables viewing of opaque samples, and easy alignment of the beam on the cantilever.
• The phase contrast illumination module utilizes the same objective for use as a condenser lens.

Environmental Accessories

• BioHeater heats samples to 80°C with an accuracy of 0.1°C
• Closed fluid cell with 10 ports allows imaging in a completely sealed environment.
• PolyHeater (non-liquid samples only) heats samples to 300°C with an accuracy of 0.3°C

Flexible Software

• User-friendly interface built on IGOR Pro integrates analysis, scripting and publication-quality graphics.
• Built-in, easy cantilever calibration by the thermal or Sader methods.
• Measure force curves at specified locations on your sample with a simple click of the mouse.
• Process images using auto-generated masks to elimate artifacts.
• Add fit equations to section plots, histograms or any other data set.
• ARgyle™ software module (which comes standard), allows users to render images in advanced 3D mode, as stereo anaglyphs (3D glasses), or as overlays by combining separate channels of data into a single 3D image (ie. confocal data as color scale on a 3D AFM topography image).
• System includes computer with competitive specifications and dual-monitor 3D graphics card.

Personalized, exceptional support

Once you begin your research, our staff scientists are here to help you get the most out of your MFP-3D. We extend this personalized support by being virtually in your lab with OnSight – a remote support system that lets us view, diagnose and control your system over the Internet. Our easy, secure, web-based system enables shared screen, mouse and keyboard control of your AFM, making it ideal for training and troubleshooting.