Exploration of Samples’ Surface Properties: A Review

Abstract

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) have attracted great attention as one of the most promising candidates for imaging soft and delicate biological samples. In this review, firstly, up to date research on investigating samples’ surface properties using SICM are demonstrated. In surface charge part, as the bias is varied, a polarity-dependent ion current and surface-induced rectification can help SICM to create images of surface charge. In dynamics of living cells part, SICM allows both non-labeling and non-contact during the measurement and performs the best smong fluorescent microscopy and AFM in visualizing dynamics of living cells. In surface morphology part, four examples are demonstrated to show SICM’s power. Secondly, combinations with mature technology such as scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), sub-aperture stitching technology, stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and protein nanopores are present, which achieve the multifunction of SICM. Thirdly, state-of-the-art ways that can improve imaging rate are demonstrated. Finally, a brief future outlook for SICM is discussed.

Keywords:

• SICM
• surface properties
• AFM

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61604019, 11704263).