Observation of a single polymer chain

In summary, the question is whether it is possible to see or separate a single chain of a polymer experimentally using a microscope, and if so, if there are any published papers on it. It is mentioned that a possible method is time of flight MALDI and that there may be a paper from over 20 years ago in Nature or Science, possibly using AFM.
  • #1
mah65
24
0
Hi,

I have a question regarding polymers.
You know that polymers, basically, consist of chains of polymers, each chain including number of repeating units (monomer). These chains can be in amorphous or crystalline states.

Experimentally, is it possible to fabricate and see a single chain of a polymer using microscope (any kind of microscope)?
Or, is it possible to separate a single chain out of the polymer and observe it?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
You can do time of flight MALDI to determine the mass of single polymer chains.
 
  • #3
mah65 said:
Hi,

I have a question regarding polymers.
You know that polymers, basically, consist of chains of polymers, each chain including number of repeating units (monomer). These chains can be in amorphous or crystalline states.

Experimentally, is it possible to fabricate and see a single chain of a polymer using microscope (any kind of microscope)?
Or, is it possible to separate a single chain out of the polymer and observe it?

Thank you
I think I remember seeing a paper in either Nature or Science from many years ago (>20) where this had already been done.

Chet
 
  • #4
Thank you.

If published in Nature or Science, it implies to be an important issue. Could give me the exact information or link of this paper?
 
  • #5
probably using AFM you can try to goole it
 

What is a single polymer chain?

A single polymer chain is a long, linear molecule made up of repeating units called monomers. These monomers are connected by covalent bonds and can be composed of various types of atoms, such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

How is a single polymer chain observed?

A single polymer chain can be observed using various techniques such as atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and optical tweezers. These methods allow for the visualization of the chain's structure and behavior at the nanoscale level.

What can the observation of a single polymer chain tell us?

The observation of a single polymer chain can provide insights into its physical and chemical properties, including its size, shape, and flexibility. This information is crucial for understanding how polymers behave in different environments and how they can be manipulated for various applications.

Why is the observation of a single polymer chain important?

Studying single polymer chains allows for a more detailed understanding of their behavior, which is important for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology. It also helps researchers design and develop new polymers with specific properties and functions.

What are some challenges in the observation of a single polymer chain?

The observation of a single polymer chain can be challenging due to its small size and the need for specialized equipment and techniques. Additionally, the chain's behavior may be affected by the observation methods, making it difficult to accurately interpret the results. Controlling and manipulating the chain's environment can also be challenging, as even slight changes can significantly impact its behavior.

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