Super-resolution surface mapping using the trajectories of molecular probes

Area of Science:

• Surface science
• Chemical imaging
• Soft matter characterization

Background:

• Characterizing soft materials in wet conditions is challenging due to complex non-covalent interactions.
• Existing super-resolution techniques often lack quantitative data on molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel chemical imaging method, MAPT, for detailed surface characterization.
• Enable quantitative analysis of molecular interactions on soft material surfaces under in situ conditions.

Main Methods:

• Developed mapping using accumulated probe trajectories (MAPT) for chemical imaging.
• Utilized super-resolution based on single-molecule observations.
• Generated spatial maps of physical quantities like adsorption rate and diffusion coefficients.

Main Results:

• MAPT successfully generated super-resolution spatial maps of surface interactions.
• Quantified physical parameters directly related to molecular interactions.
• Demonstrated feasibility on a surface with varying hydrophobicity.

Conclusions:

• MAPT offers a powerful new approach for characterizing soft material surfaces.
• Provides quantitative insights into molecular interactions under wet conditions.
• Advances the field of in situ surface analysis.