Imaging bacteriophage T4 on patterned organosilane monolayers by scanning force microscopy

A patterned organosilane monolayer consisting of CH3-terminated islands surrounded by a CF3-terminated continuous phase is used as a template for controlling the adsorption of biological molecules. In coadsorption of bovine serine albumin (BSA) and bacteriophage T4 and its tail the T4 adheres to the CF3-terminated surfaces while the BSA is restricted to the CH3-terminated islands. The strong affinity of the T4 for the continuous phase allows detailed imaging by scanning force microscopy in both topographic and frictional force modes. Structural features of the tail tubes are clearly recognized. The baseplates at end of the tubes exhibit different configurations, and in images of T4 obtained by frictional force one can clearly distinguish head, neck, tail, baseplate and fibers. For giant T4 with elongated heads, the surface lattice of he head and the sheath annuli of the tail are resolved in some detail.