Following Single Molecules to a Better Understanding of Self-Assembled One-Dimensional Nanostructures

Single-molecule tracking (SMT) methods are now being employed to probe the morphologies and mass-transport characteristics of self-assembled one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. Such nanostructures are found in surfactant-templated mesoporous metal oxides, phase-separated block copolymers, and lyotropic liquid-crystal mesophases. This Perspective begins with a review of investigations in which SMT methods have been employed for in situ visualization of 1D nanostructures and their ability to guide and support 1D diffusion of fluorescent probe molecules. New orthogonal regression methods for the quantitative characterization of 1D nanostructure alignment and order are subsequently discussed. Recent investigations in which the confined orientational motions of single molecules are probed by single-molecule emission polarization measurements are highlighted. These data are used to access high-precision estimates of the effective lateral nanostructure dimensions. The results reveal the important role played by...