Thanks to the AFM-IR+ tapping mode (Neaspec) and the low light intensities used, sensitive non-destructive nano-imaging and nano-FTIR spectroscopy can be performed. Regardless of the thickness and chemical composition of the sample, it provides the highest possible sensitivity, even for resolutions below 10 nm.
The high-resolution IR nanoscopy together with the topographic image obtained by AFM shows the distribution of calcium phosphate and collagen at the nanoscale in the cross-section of the bone lamella of the hip joint. Imaging using different wavelengths maps the distribution of different minerals, revealing a range of important information about structural integrity, including demineralization processes, which is essential e.g. for the study of osteoporosis. You can learn more (not only) about this application here.