1. •Live visualization of nanolayer, biofilm, biochip, ...
   

2. •Topographic analysis of nanometric films and patterns.
   

3. •Real-time study of molecular adsorption and desorption.
   

4. •Real-time study of (bio)films build-up and degradation.
   

5. •Kinetics studies of film morphological change vs. time, T°, ...
   

6. •Control of the homogeneity of thin films/patterns.
   

7. •Visualization of the nano-objects dispersion.
   

8. •Live visualization of nano-objects/biological layers interaction.
   

9. •Visualization of vesicles spreading on surface.
   

10. •Characterization of swelling effect.
    

11. •Studies of extra-cellular matrix.

Life Sciences

SEEC Microscopy Application to SAMs Study

In this work, phospholipids deposited on a surface are studied by SEEC Microscopy, as an example of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) systems. The optical technique allows the live visualization and topographic imaging of the phospholipids layers organization. Thickness measurements carried out on these structures have been compared to those obtained with AFM and neutrons reflectivity.

SARFUS : Characterization of ultraweak vesicles adhesion

Vesicles adhesion on lectin surface is studied by Sarfus. For glycolipid vesicles, contact area on the surface is clearly observed whereas no contact area is visible for DOPC vesicles. A correlation is done between contact area and vesicles adhesion.

SEEC Microscopy : Application to imaging of lipid domains and real-time monitoring of protein binding events

Surface enhanced ellipsometry contrast (SEEC) microscopy is used for label-free imaging of spatially heterogeneous supported lipid bilayers (SLB) or lipid domains. Furthermore, time-lapse imaging enables time-resolved, label-free visualization of biomolecular recognition events on these heterogeneous SLB. Protein binding events can be monitored with a lateral resolution near the optical diffraction limit at an acquisition rate of ?1Hz with a sensitivity in terms of surface coverage of ?1ng/cm². Hence, despite the significant improvement in spatial resolution compared with alternative label-free surface-based imaging technologies, the sensitivity remains competitive with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging and imaging ellipsometry. In the present study, SEEC is used to discriminate local (sub-µm scale) differences in protein binding by time-resolved imaging of anti-GalCer antibodies binding to phase separated lipid bilayers consisting of phosphatidylcholine (POPC) in the fluid phase and galactosylceramide (GalCer) in the gel phase.

Materials

SEEC Microscopy Study of dibloc copolymer microphase structuration

This publication presents the study of the microphase structuration of a thin layer of dibloc copolymer by SEEC Microscopy. Initially, the dibloc copolymer forms an homogeneous layer, meaning that the material is not microphase separated and so the PS and PMMA segments are intimately mixed. When the dibloc copolymer is heated, the dibloc will slowly organize leading to the formation of holes and peaks on the surface. The SEEC Microscopy was used to investigate the surface structuration of the dibloc copolymer.

SARFUS : Characterization of adhesive nanometric layer on SiO2 surface

In this work, two well-known protective adhesives designed for microelectronic applications have been studied with the Sarfus technique. Theses adhesives are described as providing clean removal during masking operations but the presence of nanometric organic layers is shown.

Study of PDMS and 8CB prewetting films by Sarfus

The prewetting films of a methyl-terminated PDMS droplet and 8 CB liquid crystal are characterized by SARFUS. Thin layers of 0.7 and 3.3 nm are measured on both systems, respectively

Characterization of a thermo-responsive polymer film in air and in water

A dynamic study of a thermo-responsive nanometer-thin polymer film is performed with the Sarfus 3D-IMM equipment. The ability to carry out an analysis in air as well as in liquid and to easily characterize a thermal transition with a live visualization of the layer quality and morphology is demonstrated.

Visualization and Thickness Measurement of Polyelectrolytes Multilayers in Dry and in Solution

Different polyelectrolytes multilayers are studied by SARFUS 3D IMM system both in dry and in solution. Thickness measurements of the layers are realized and compared to measurements done with ellipsometry. In this study, we are able to see in real time images of the sample that give us information on the layer homogeneity and structure. SARFUS measurements show as ellipsometry measurements, the layers construction and growth. Moreover, we highlight the swelling behavior of layers by doing measurements in dry and in solution of salt.

SARFUS : Study of layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte deposition

In recent years, intensive studies have been carried out on the preparation of multilayer systems by the so-called layer-by-layer method (LbL)1. This technique based on the successive deposition of very thin layers makes it possible to produce materials with complex properties. In typical processes, two water-soluble polyelectrolytes possessing groups with opposite charges are alternatively deposited by electrostatic attraction on flat surfaces such as glass and silicon substrates.