Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
20:00
Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy on Planar Supported Bilayers
Published on: October 31, 2015
From Langmuir-Blodgett films to single molecules
1MoNOS, Huygens Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands. orrit@molphys.leidenuniv.nl
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|September 4, 2009
Summary
The development of single-molecule experiments was influenced by molecular assembly concepts. Recent advances now apply single-molecule spectroscopy to complex biological systems, including membranes and interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Biophysics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Recollection of early single-molecule experiments in the 1980s, influenced by molecular assembly concepts.
- Historical context of Hans Kuhn's department and D. Möbius's group.
- Foundational role of Langmuir films in developing single-molecule optical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey recent applications of single-molecule spectroscopy.
- To highlight the growth of single-molecule microscopy in complex systems.
- To connect historical development with current research trends.
Main Methods:
- Single-molecule spectroscopy
- Single-molecule microscopy
- Analysis of heterogeneous and complex systems
Main Results:
- Single-molecule spectroscopy has been successfully applied to complex and heterogeneous systems.
- Single-molecule microscopy is rapidly advancing in the study of membranes and biological interfaces.
- A resurgence of interest in Langmuir films as a key system for single-molecule studies.
Conclusions:
- The field of single-molecule spectroscopy has evolved significantly since its inception.
- Current research is increasingly focused on biological applications, particularly at interfaces.
- The study of Langmuir films remains relevant, linking the past and present of single-molecule techniques.
