Application of Atomic Force Microscopy in the Study of Polysaccharide

This paper gives a brief introduction to basic principle and working mode of atomic force microscope (AFM). Sample preparation methods and factors that affect the AFM imaging of polysaccharide are described in detail. Advance in using AFM for morphological observation and quantitative study on polysaccharide molecules are reviewed. Research on single molecule force spectroscopy of polysaccharide and determination and adjustment of conformational change of sugar residue are introduced. Perspective on further application of AFM in polysaccharide investigation is presented.