Interfacial recognition reactions as seen by fluorescence-, surface plasmon-and atomic force microscopies

We report on various microscopic investigations of the specific recognition and binding reaction between a biotinylated lipid layer and streptavidin. First, we present fluorescence microscopic evidence for the preferential adsorption of the protein to only the fluid matrix of a monolayer at the water-air interface if the latter is compressed to the phase transition region where crystalline domains coexist with expanded phase. Surface plasmon microscopy shows that this selectivity is preserved also if the monofilm is first transferred to a solid support (but still in contract with the aqueous phase) and then exposed to a streptavidin-containing solution. Finally, atomic force microscopic pictures taken at the monolayer-electrolyte interface are presented that confirm this preferential binding.     

Morphology and micromechanical behaviour of styrene/butadiene block copolymers and their blends with polystyrene

The correlation between the morphology and the deformation mechanism in styrene/butadiene block copolymers having modified architecture and in blends with homopolymer polystyrene (hPS) was studied. It was demonstrated that the morphology formation in the block copolymers is highly coupled with their molecular architecture. In particular, the micromechanical behaviour of a star block copolymer and its blends with polystyrene was investigated by using electron microscopy and tensile testing. A homogeneous plastic flow of polystyrene lamellae (thin layer yielding) was observed if the lamella thickness was in the range of 20 nm. The deformation micromechanism switched to the formation of craze-like deformation zones when the average PS lamella thickness changed to about 30 nm and more.