Applications
Most CFM applications can be grouped into two main categories:
- Surface analysis and characterization
- Binding – unbinding events
CFM measurement conditions can be tuned in terms of solvent, temperature and pH. Biological samples can be measured under physiological conditions.
Types of applications:
- Measurement hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions
- Intermolecular force measurements
- Chemical sensing and detection
- Local mapping of functional group distributions or receptors
- Local mapping of surface properties (e.g. modulus)
Application examples in different areas:
- Polymers (determination composites/blends/phase separation/microstructure)
- Biomaterials (implants, bio-sensors, dental enamel structure)
- Tribology (friction, wear)
- Cosmetics (hair, development shampoos/conditioners, skin, contact lenses)
- Pharmaceutical industry (study of membrane proteins for development of new drugs)