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Atomic force microscopy (AFM) application to diatom study: review and perspectives

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Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows high image resolution, based on slight differences in surface height and on imaging transparent structures, thus, is an excellent type of microscopy for imaging nano-sized objects, such as diatoms. Currently and since 1992, the number of publications applying AFM on diatom studies has increased significantly. Our study considers different aspects related with AFM and diatom samples preparation, AFM types and its application in studies of taxonomy, biomineral formation, ultrastructure, mucilage layers, and micromechanical properties. We also present new AFM data highlighting the taxonomical importance of Amphipleura pellucida. From our knowledge, it is the first general review that compiles all the works carried out on Atomic force microscopy (AFM) applied to diatoms, highlighting the AFM advantages regarding the study of these microorganisms as a whole.

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Acknowledgements

This work was carried out in the framework of the project REVAD (C08/MS/10) supported by the National Research Fund of Luxembourg. We are grateful to Dr. Diba Khan-Bureau, Professor & Program Coordinator of Environmental Engineering Technology & Biology TAP CSCU Pathways from Three Rivers Community College (Norwich, Connecticut, USA) for revising the English.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Research and Innovation Department (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg

    Ana T. Luís, Daša Hlúbiková, Lucien Hoffmann & Luc Ector

  2. GeoBioTec Research Unit – Department of Geosciences, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

    Ana T. Luís

  3. CESAM Associated Lab – Department of Biology, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

    Ana T. Luís

  4. DWS Hydro-Oekologie GmbH, Zentagasse 47, A-1050, Vienna, Austria

    Daša Hlúbiková

  5. Eurofoil Innovation Centre, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg

    Véronique Vaché

  6. Materials Science and Technology (MRT), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg

    Patrick Choquet

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  1. Ana T. Luís
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Correspondence to Ana T. Luís.

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Luís, A.T., Hlúbiková, D., Vaché, V. et al. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) application to diatom study: review and perspectives. J Appl Phycol 29, 2989–3001 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1177-4

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