Zhou, X.An, H.Guo, Y.Sun, J.Li, M.Hu, J.2010-01-282010-01-282005Chinese Science Bulletin, 2005; 50(10):954-9571001-6538http://hdl.handle.net/2440/55819In this paper, a new approach is demonstrated to measure the compression elasticity of single biomolecule in small force regime (<0.5 nN) using vibrating mode scanning polarization force microscopy (VSPFM). With this method we investigate the compression elasticity of a single DNA molecule in the radial direction (perpendicular to DNA strands). The radial deformation of DNA molecules deposited on mica surface is shown to be able to reach about 50% under external load, and this remarkable deformation is reversible. In addition, the compression spring constant of DNA molecules is estimated to be about 0.6 nN/nm according to the height-force curves.enatomic force microscopysingle DNA moleculeelasticityJournal article002009387510.1360/982005-1612-s2.0-3374965700636700