Scanning Force Microscopy as Applied to Conformational Studies in Macromolecular Research

The modern state of SFM research on polymer nano-objects including single chains is discussed in comparison with other similar high-resolution microscopy techniques. The range of problems to be solved preferentially by SFM is highlighted. Promising methodology to describe quantitatively the morphology of macromolecular objects is proposed. The main benefits of this algorithm seem to be the apparent mathematical correctness as well as the possibility to estimate errors and the confidence of the numbers obtained. Special attention is paid to the dynamic observations of conformational transitions on a substrate in real time regime. This approach allows one to realise direct control of the adsorbed macromolecules by means of exposure to different vapours. Driving forces of the vapour-induced reorganisation are discussed.