[nanoPost] New form of scanning probe microscope

Company UK

We are building and supplying a new form of scanning probe microscope which is optimised for biological, organic and immersed samples.  In scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), the target to be scanned is immersed in liquid;  for cells, this is typically PBS or growth medium.  The scan is carried out with absolutely no surface contact.  The probe follows the surface topography at a distance approximately equal to the lateral scanning resolution.  To date, we have achieved a resolution of approximately 5nm laterally and 1nm vertically.

In effect we are offering EM/AFM resolution, but on wet and/or live samples, and with zero disturbance to the surface.

We can also use our scanning system to steer other sensing, stimulation and delivery technologies, at the same resolution.

We are aware already of interest in our systems from researchers in life sciences, both academic and industrial.  We anticipate further interest from anyone working in bio-nano-tech, in food technologies, in cleaning and surface treatment products and in wet manufacturing processes.