Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Investigating Single Molecule Adhesion by Atomic Force Spectroscopy
Published on: February 27, 2015
Molecular recognition at interfaces. Adhesion, wetting and bond scrambling
1Chemistry Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
Abstract:
The quantitative description of the supramolecular interaction occurring at the adhesion surfaces of different polymers has enabled elaborate dissections of contributions to cohesive and surface energies. An alternative analysis is proposed here based on solubility parameters and binding constants that traditionally describe the weakest and relatively larger association energies in polymer blends. The article emphasizes a feature of supramolecular polymers that has not received adequate consideration: The dynamic bond scrambling that allows a most efficient molecular recognition over significant areas of synthetic and biological surfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Protein-protein Interfaces
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
Adhesion
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow...
Cohesion
On a...
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...

