Atomic Force Microscopy to Characterize the Fiber Morphology of ECF-5 Peptide Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

To begin, prepare the peptide hydrogels using a suitable method. Apply double-sided adhesive to remove a layer of mica, and adhere the mica surfaces using the APTES solution and let it stand for five minutes. Rinse the mica surfaces thoroughly with pure water before use.

Dilute the hydrogel and mix it thoroughly before dropping it onto the modified mica surface for static absorption. After five minutes, rinse the surface with pure water and dry it. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the gel surface had numerous peptide fibers with dense pores trapping water, with individual fibers forming consistent wider fiber bands, approximately 3.5 nanometers in height.