Direct Observation by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of the Two-Dimensional Lattice Structure of the S-Layer Sheath of the Archaeobacterium Methanospirillum hungatei GP1

Authors

B. L. Blackford, Dalhousie University
W. Xu, Dalhousie University
M. H. Jericho, Dalhousie University
P. J. Mulhern, Dalhousie University
M. Firtel, University of Guelph
T. J. Beveridge, University of Guelph

Abstract

Observation of the two-dimensional (2-D) 3 nm x 3 nm lattice structure of the S-layer sheath of the archaeobacterium Methanospirillum hungatei is reported for the first time by scanning tunneling microscopy. The samples consisted of sheath fragments deposited on a TaSe₂ substrate and coated with a Pt/Ir film. In addition to confirming the 2-D structure, the images reveal some new information about the nano-scale details of the sheath structure. A lateral resolution of 1 nm was achieved, suggesting that the grain size of the Pt/Ir films was much less than for similar films deposited on a smooth metal surface.

Recommended Citation

Blackford, B. L.; Xu, W.; Jericho, M. H.; Mulhern, P. J.; Firtel, M.; and Beveridge, T. J. (1994) "Direct Observation by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of the Two-Dimensional Lattice Structure of the S-Layer Sheath of the Archaeobacterium Methanospirillum hungatei GP1," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 8: No. 3, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol8/iss3/9