Figure 7.

A typical approach–retraction cycle of the miR21-3p-functionalized tip over the DBD-functionalized substrate showing a specific unbinding event. Point 1: The cantilever moves toward the substrate. Point 2: The tip reaches the contact point, with the two partners eventually forming a complex. Point 3: The cantilever further moved toward the substrate, undergoing an upward deflection. Point 4: The cantilever is retracted from the substrate with a bending downward due to attractive interaction forces between the partners. Point 5: The tip undergoes a jump-off with an unbinding of the complex. Point 6: the cantilever returns to its initial position.