Two powerful new tools for looking at solid/liquid interfaces have recently become available, the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM). The full extent of the power of these tools is yet to be determined. This project involves using these new tools to try and examine collagen at the solid/aqueous solution interface. Serious questions exist regarding the results of AFM and STM imaging of macromolecules. The problems of interpretation are compounded in an aqueous environment. In contrast, this is an area of great technological importance. Development of successful techniques for interpretation of images could significantly multiply our understanding of these important systems, which arise in both biomedical and biotechnology applications. This one year study will make use of existing instruments and expertise at the University of Arizona to systematically prove the applicability of these techniques in this important area.
