Abstract: A method of molecular self-assembly is disclosed using two interacting streams that are allowed to interact and are subsequently forced through an orifice. A first stream of a dope solution of polymer molecules is extruded out of a capillary. The dope stream is surrounded by a focusing fluid which is miscible with the dope solution. The interaction between the jet of dope solution and surrounding focusing fluid creates hydrodynamic stretching and allows for extracting solvent from the dope solution. Concentrated polymers within the solution at stretched regions of the jet interact, and finally self-assembly takes place after the fluids are forced through the outlet of a converging nozzle. The formation of the structure can be optionally completed in a coagulating space. The structures thus obtained such as fibers or threads can be wound onto a mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a functionalised sensor tip for atomic force microscopy, which is characterised in that functionalisation takes place by means of an activated vapour silanisation process, comprising: a) evaporating an organometallic compound containing at least one silicon atom and at least one functional group selected from an amine group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group and a thiol group; b) activating the vapour of the organometallic compound of step a) by heating; and c) causing the activated vapour of step b) to impinge on a sensor tip for atomic force microscopy in order to deposit a film of the organometallic compound on the sensor tip, steps b) and c) taking place consecutively. The invention also relates to the functionalised sensor tip obtained using the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a functionalised sensor tip for atomic force microscopy, which is characterised in that functionalisation takes place by means of an activated vapour silanisation process, comprising: a) evaporating an organometallic compound containing at least one silicon atom and at least one functional group selected from an amine group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group and a thiol group; b) activating the vapour of the organometallic compound of step a) by heating; and c) causing the activated vapour of step b) to impinge on a sensor tip for atomic force microscopy in order to deposit a film of the organometallic compound on the sensor tip, steps b) and c) taking place consecutively. The invention also relates to the functionalised sensor tip obtained using the method.

Abstract: A method of molecular self-assembly is disclosed using two interacting streams that are allowed to interact and are subsequently forced through an orifice. A first stream of a dope solution of polymer molecules is extruded out of a capillary. The dope stream is surrounded by a focusing fluid which is miscible with the dope solution. The interaction between the jet of dope solution and surrounding focusing fluid creates hydrodynamic stretching and allows for extracting solvent from the dope solution. Concentrated polymers within the solution at stretched regions of the jet interact, and finally self-assembly takes place after the fluids are forced through the outlet of a converging nozzle. The formation of the structure can be optionally completed in a coagulating space. The structures thus obtained such as fibers or threads can be wound onto a mandrel.