Single isolated macromolecules at surfaces

A new class of direct experiments has begun to address the structure, dynamics, and chemical responsiveness of isolated macromolecules at the solid-liquid interface. New fluorescence-based and atomic force microscopy-based methods provide the needed sensitivity, which formerly was unavailable. The initial findings have begun to pose a family of new questions that are practical as well as fundamental. Directions of research opportunity are surveyed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.