Over the course of two days, the international group focused on AFM application and operation. A broad spectrum of uses was covered in the dense program, ranging from the imaging of cells, bacteria and lipids, through specialized techniques such as force spectroscopy applications and nanomanipulation, up to practical tips for handling this advanced instrument platform. Included in the curriculum were the preparation of biological specimens such as DNA and lipids, as well as hardware and software. The JPK application engineers made sure there was plenty of time for the participants to ask questions related to their specializations.
JPK had already created one of the most important AFM events in the international life sciences with its annual workshop “Scanning Probe Microscopy in Life Sciences”. The new JPK School means that the manufacturer of the world’s foremost BioAFM is reasserting its expertise in nano life sciences while providing clients with a special service. “There are many potential applications in the life sciences that have not yet been discovered. We want to boost our clients’ knowledge by letting them share our application and technical know-how.” This is how Dr. Gabriela Bagordo, communication manager at JPK, describes the school’s goal. And success has proved the company right. The combination of lectures and practical work on the instruments themselves has earned a great deal of applause. “A fantastic confirmation for our idea, and of course an encouragement to continue,” says Dr. Bagordo. “To be continued” is written all over it. With future topics such as life cell imaging on the curriculum, participants will be brought even closer to life in the nano-cosmos.