Direct Observation of Specific Intermolecular Forces in Functional Molecules by Atomic Force Microscopy

KADO Shinpei, KIMURA Keiichi

doi:10.2116/bunsekikagaku.55.369

It has been reported in the recent decade that molecular interactions in a variety of molecular pairs can be measured directly by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a highly sensitive and precise force sensor. The target molecules are immobilized covalently on AFM probe tips and substrates by utilizing self-assembled monolayers of thiol and organosilane derivatives. The AFM technique can be applied to novel analytical methods based on mechanochemical measurements of specific molecular interactions. In the present study, we directly measured the specific intermolecular forces for several functional molecules by AFM using the probe tip and substrate modified chemically with them. The target molecules used were crown ether and urea derivatives, which are host molecules possessing the abilities of cation-binding and hydrogen bonding, respectively, for analytical applications, and a photochromic spirobenzopyran derivative for a photochemical study. We demonstrated direct observations of the rupture forces of specific interactions based on their functionalities at a molecular level and an evaluation of the single forces. A promising application of the AFM methodology is also described, aiming at the development of an analytical method, such as a high-resolution chemical mapping based on direct AFM detection of a specific molecular interaction force.<br>

Direct Observation of Specific Intermolecular Forces in Functional Molecules by Atomic Force Microscopy

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