[New measurement techniques in biology and medicine: atomic force microscopy (part III)].

Biological samples can be investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in either of two imaging modes: contact mode or tapping mode. Applications of fluid tapping mode AFM in biology and medical sciences are constantly growing and the data obtained with this technique are improving, especially in terms of resolution. Even dynamic processes can be observed almost as they would occur in vivo. AFM is a proven imaging technique that has recently gained attention in biomaterials due to its ability to analyze surface properties, non-destructively at nanometer-level resolution in ambient air or in fluid environments.