AFM Studies of β-Sheet Block Copolymers at Solid Surfaces: High-Resolution Structures and Aggregation Dynamics

Supramolecular fibre-like aggregates of different poly(ethylene glycol) modified ?-sheet block copolymers have been adsorbed on a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surface, and studied by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. High-resolution images provided detailed information on stability, adaptability, and internal structure of the fibres. Dynamic processes observed in real space and time included fibre rearrangement, and even unprecedented fibre growth.