Direct Imaging of IgE on the Mica Surface by Tapping-mode Atomic Force Microscopy

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody is essential in the functioning of the immune system, so the study of IgE has its practical and profound significance. Herein, the effect of protein concentration and adsorption time on IgE morphology of mica surface was investigated. For this purpose, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been performed for monitoring protein morphology at different concentrations and adsorption times. In addition, the height and average roughness of IgE were also obtained. The changes of IgE molecule morphology including the shape, height and average roughness indicated that the interactions of protein-surface and protein-protein were varying with the protein concentration and adsorption time.