Directed single molecule diffusion triggered by surface energy gradients.

We demonstrate the diffusion of single poly(ethylene glycol) molecules on surfaces which change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic over a few micrometers. These gradients in surface energy are shown to drive the molecular diffusion in the direction of the hydrophilic component. The polymer diffusion co...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Burgos, P, Zhang, Z, Golestanian, R, Leggett, G, Geoghegan, M
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: 2009