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...
Main Authors: | , , , , |
---|---|
Format: | Journal article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2009
|