Atomic force microscopy as a nanolithography tool to investigate the DNA/gold interface

This concise survey delves into the capabilities of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for investigating the DNA/gold interface. It highlights how the precise control of the force applied by AFM enables its use as a nanolithography tool, allowing for localized sample modifications. The interface manipulation is functional to explore the DNA layer response to changes in external factors such as the applied electrical potential or the buffer ionic strength. From the fine control of the applied force, the mechanical response of the DNA/gold interface can be addressed and correlated to the layer molecular density. Nanografting methods allow to construct DNA platforms with tailored molecular densities. The DNA confinement within the grafted molecular array enables to elucidate the mechanisms underlying biochemical reactions such as DNA/enzyme interactions and can be exploited for multiplexing biomarker recognition. Finally, we note how combining AFM's nanoscale characterization with other analytical techniques can synergically enhance the comprehensive interpretation of results, yielding a thorough depiction of the interface.