The atomic force microscope for bioscience (Bio-AFM) can provide high-resolution images (subnanometric resolution) of any substrate both in air and in liquid media. The sample is scanned by a sharp tip attached to a flexible cantilever whose deflection is monitored with an optical system consisting of a laser and a photodetector. Different scanning modes are available: contact mode, tapping (AC) mode, PeakForce tapping, Quantitative Imaging (QI) mode. Besides topographical images, mechanical information of the sample (elastic modulus, adhesion) can also be mapped using QI mode. The Bio-AFM can also be applied for force measurements at nano/microscale (sensitivity in the order of picoNewtons). The Bio-AFM includes different accessories to work with living cells. Electrical and conductive characterization of samples at nano/microscale is also possible with the Kelvin probe and conductive AFM modules, respectively.

• Vortis 2 SPM controller.
• NanoWizard 4 XP head, with maximum XY scan size 100 µm × 100 µm and Z scan range up to 15 µm.
• CellHesion 200 head, with Z scan range up to 100 µm.
• Motorized precision stage with sensitive joystick control.
• Olympus IX 73 inverted optical microscope (fluorescence version), for transparent samples.
• Top-view optical system, for opaque samples.
• Acoustic enclosure and vibration isolation system.
• Petri dish heater (room temperature up to 60 °C).
• BioCell with temperature control (15-60 °C).
• CO₂ controller.
• Kelvin probe microscopy module.
• Tunneling current conductive AFM module.
• Probe and sample holders.