AFM: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker (G173)

Target Name: AFM

NCBI ID: G173

AFM: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker

AFM, or Analog Fracture Method, is a non-destructive testing technique that uses a sharp tool, such as a diamond-coated bit, to indent the surface of a material and measure the amount of material that has been removed. This technique is commonly used in the field of materials science to measure the hardness, toughness, and wear resistance of materials.

One of the key benefits of AFM is its non-destructive testing nature. This means that it can be used to test materials without causing any damage to the material itself. This is particularly important for materials that are difficult to damage, such as those used in critical applications, such as aerospace components or medical devices.

In addition to its non-destructive testing capabilities, AFM also has a high accuracy and resolution. The bit can be positioned precisely and the force exerted on the material can be controlled precisely, allowing for accurate measurements of material removal. This is particularly important for materials that have very thin thicknesses, such as those used in electronics or optical applications.

AFM can be used to measure a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. In fact, it is often used as a primary testing method for materials that are not easy to damage or that require very high precision.

One of the key applications of AFM is its use as a drug target or biomarker. In drug development, researchers are often interested in using materials that are biocompatible and non-toxic. AFM can be used to measure the mechanical properties of materials, which can provide valuable information about their suitability for use in drug delivery systems or other medical applications.

In addition to drug development, AFM can also be used as a biomarker to detect diseases or health conditions. For example, AFM can be used to measure the hardness of tissue, which can be an indicator of the health of a patient's bone. This can be particularly important for the diagnosis of conditions such as osteoporosis, where bones become weak and fragile due to a loss of bone mass.

Another potential application of AFM is its use as an indicator of material quality or condition. By measuring the amount of material that has been removed using AFM, researchers can determine the quality or condition of a material. This can be particularly important for materials that are used in critical applications, such as aerospace components or medical devices.

In conclusion, AFM is a non-destructive testing technique that has a variety of applications in the fields of materials science and drug development. Its ability to measure the mechanical properties of materials, as well as its non-destructive testing and high accuracy and resolution, make it an ideal tool for a variety of applications. As research continues to advance in these fields, it is likely that the use of AFM will become increasingly widespread and will have a significant impact on the development of new materials and technologies.

Protein Name: Afamin

Functions: Functions as carrier for hydrophobic molecules in body fluids (Probable). Essential for the solubility and activity of lipidated Wnt family members, including WNT1, WNT2B, WNT3, WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT7A, WNT7B, WNT8, WNT9A, WNT9B, WNT10A and WNT10B (PubMed:26902720). Binds vitamin E (PubMed:15952736, PubMed:12463752). May transport vitamin E in body fluids under conditions where the lipoprotein system is not sufficient (PubMed:15952736). May be involved in the transport of vitamin E across the blood-brain barrier (PubMed:19046407)

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