Single isolated macromolecules at surfaces

A new class of direct experiments has begun to address the structure, dynam ics, and chemical responsiveness of isolated macromolecules at the solid-li quid interface. New fluorescence-based and atomic force microscopy-based me thods provide the needed sensitivity, which formerly was unavailable. The i nitial findings have begun to pose a family of new questions that are pract ical as well as fundamental. Directions of research opportunity are surveye d. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.