Within the liquid chamber, a sharp probe scans across the sample while attached to a flexible cantilever. A laser detects cantilever deflection as the probe encounters the surface, and feedback adjusts the tip–sample force during scanning. This coordinated measurement produces nanoscale information without requiring the hydrated specimen to be dried first.
Force control helps regulate how strongly the probe interacts with the sample during scanning. Maintaining the selected interaction allows the instrument to collect surface information while also detecting responses related to mechanical behavior. In bioengineering studies, this supports mechanical mapping of cell membranes, biomolecules, biomaterials, and engineered surfaces under liquid conditions.
Hydration helps preserve biological and other water-dependent samples in conditions closer to their native state. A controlled solution environment also provides a way to maintain the surrounding conditions during measurement. Together, these features reduce drying-related changes and make the resulting structural and mechanical observations more relevant to hydrated biological interfaces.
The sample is placed in a liquid-compatible chamber, the chamber maintains the surrounding solution, and a probe mounted on a flexible cantilever is positioned above the surface. A laser monitors cantilever deflection as scanning proceeds, while feedback regulates tip–sample force. The instrument then records nanoscale topographic and mechanical information from the scan.
Wet-cell AFM can generate both nanoscale topographic maps and mechanical maps. Topographic data describe surface structure, whereas mechanical measurements reveal how regions respond to probe interaction. Examining these outputs together can distinguish structural features from differences in mechanical behavior, supporting analysis of hydrated samples and bioengineered surfaces.
The approach is useful when researchers need structural or mechanical information from hydrated biological systems or engineered interfaces. Applications identified for the method include studying cell membranes, biomolecules, biomaterials, tissue interfaces, biosensors, and bioengineered surfaces. Its compatibility with near-native conditions also supports investigations involving live samples and cellular engineering.