Label free detection of NAPPA via atomic force microscopy

Modern proteomics requires protein properties and functionality to bestudied globally on arrays of a large number of elements from whichhigh throughput data are accessible by a variety of biophysical andbiochemical tools. Structures of organized molecules on arrays onsuitable substrates allow the required fast characterization of theirproperties and interactions. Atomic force microscopy is a maturetechnology for the characterization of surface morphology with apotential high impact: applications to protein technology are reviewedto assess if such intrinsically nanoscopic technique can be regarded as apossible candidate to attain high-throughput protein production datafrom NAPPA arrays. The morphology and the profiles obtained at thehighest resolution before and after the expression of three JUN, CdK2and P53 proteins are reported and discussed in terms of these specificinterests for future developments from the actual micro towards nanoscaleordered arrays. Further, by measuring interaction forces withfunctionalized AFM tips, the presence of specific final products can bedetected among imaged objects.