Nanomechanical probing of the septum and surrounding substances on Streptococcus mutans cells and biofilms

- The septum of S. mutans may exist unique behavior under AFM force spectroscopy.
- Ultrasharp AFM probing gives novel nanomechanical information about the septum.
- Serrated force curve can be explained by the mechanism of protein unfolding.
- A periodic vibration can be found on the septum of living and alcohol-treated S. mutans.