A study on the imobilization method of E. coli for AFM detection under physiological conditions

The micro-nano manipulation techniques based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is an important tool for studying the morphology and mechanical properties of bacteria under physiological conditions. However, immobilizing the bacteria on the substrate is the key obstacle for AFM detection in liquid condition. In this study, the methods of embedding and adsorption were combined to improve the immobilization efficiency. Compared to E. coli on a non-structured base surface, E. coli on a structured base surface appears more stretched out and is less likely to aggregate. It grown along the structure of the substrate, achieving nanomanipulation to a certain extent. This study will provide a new immobilization method for microorganism as well as E. coli.