Self Assembled Oligosaccharide Surfactant Visualized by Atomic Force Microscopy

• Published in: Microscopy and microanalysis 1997-08, Vol.3 (S2), p.1255-1256
• Main Authors: Holland, NB, Ruegsegger, M, Marchant, RE
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1431-9276; 1435-8115
• DOI: 10.1017/S1431927600013167

The physisorption of oligosaccharide surfactants is being developed as a method for modifying biomaterials to prevent protein adsorption. In this study, we visualize the surface adsorption and ordering of oligosaccharide surfactant using the atomic force microscope (AFM). Contact mode imaging is used to provide topographical images of the surface. Tapping mode imaging also provides topographical images, but reduces the amount of the lateral forces applied to the surface by driving the cantilever and contacting the surface once per oscillation. A phase image, which is the measure of phase shift between the cantilever response and the driving signal in tapping mode, gives information on variations in the viscoelastic response of the sample surface. The maltose diblock surfactant was prepared by the selective oxidation and lactonization of the maltose reducing end group, followed by aminolysis with dodecylamine. The chemical structure is Maltose--CONH-(CH2)11CH3. The solutions used for adsorption were prepared by diluting a stock solution of the surfactant at the critical micelle concentration (CMC) to the desired concentrations.