Atomic Force Microscopy In Nanomedicine

The combination of AFM with conventional techniques, as well as AFM itself, allows answering biomedical questions of high interest. We could show this clearly for CFTR with single molecule imaging and observation of structural dynamics in native cell membranes. AFM also allows identification and determination of CFTR at single molecule level. The observation that the lack of CFTR influences the mechanical and, therefore, rheological properties of RBC could lead to a novel therapeutic approach for CF treatment. Regarding the fact that the defect of a single protein causes lethal diseases, research at the single molecule level would become vital in the future.