Since the invention of the atomic force microscope (AFM) three decades ago, there have been numerous advances in its measurement capabilities. Curiously, throughout these developments, the fundamental nature of the force-sensing probe-the key actuating element-has remained largely unchanged. It is produced by long-established microfabrication etching strategies and typically composed of silicon-based materials. Here, we report a new class of photopolymerizable hydrogel nano-probes that are produced by bottom-up fabrication with compressible replica moulding. The hydrogel probes demonstrate excellent capabilities for AFM imaging and force measurement applications while enabling programmable, multifunctional capabilities based on compositionally adjustable mechanical properties and facile encapsulation of various nanomaterials. Taken together, the simple, fast and affordable manufacturing route and multifunctional capabilities of hydrogel AFM nano-probes highlight the potential of soft matter mechanical transducers in nanotechnology applications. The fabrication scheme can also be readily utilized to prepare hydrogel cantilevers, including in parallel arrays, for nanomechanical sensor devices.

中文翻译：

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用于原子力显微镜的多功能水凝胶纳米探针。


自三十年前原子力显微镜 （AFM） 发明以来，其测量能力取得了许多进步。奇怪的是，在这些发展过程中，力传感探头（关键驱动元件）的基本性质基本保持不变。它通过历史悠久的微纳加工蚀刻策略生产，通常由硅基材料组成。在这里，我们报道了一类新的光聚合水凝胶纳米探针，它们是通过自下而上的制造和可压缩的复制模塑制成的。水凝胶探针在 AFM 成像和力测量应用中表现出卓越的功能，同时基于成分可调的机械特性和各种纳米材料的简单封装实现可编程的多功能功能。总而言之，水凝胶 AFM 纳米探针简单、快速且经济实惠的制造路线和多功能功能突出了软物质机械换能器在纳米技术应用中的潜力。该制造方案也可以很容易地用于制备用于纳米机械传感器器件的水凝胶悬臂，包括平行阵列。