In situ sensing and manipulation of molecules in biological samples using a nanorobotic system.

BACKGROUND: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful and widely used imaging technique that can visualize single molecules both in air and solution. Using the AFM tip as an end-effector, an atomic force microscope can be modified into a nanorobot that can manipulate objects in nanoscale.

METHODS: By functionalizing the AFM tip with specific antibodies, the nanorobot is able to identify specific types of receptors on cells' membrane. It is similar to the fluorescent optical microscopy but with higher resolution. By locally updating the AFm image based on interaction force infromation and objects' model during nanomanipulation, real-time visual feedback is obtained through the augmented reality interface.

RESULTS: The development of the AFM-based nanorobotic system will enable us to simultaneously conduct in situ imaging, sensing, and manipulation at nanometer scale (eg, protein and DNA levels).

CONCLUSIONS: This new technology opens a promising way to individually study the function of biological system in molecular level.