Advanced Colloids Experiment - Imaging, Folding and Assembly of Colloidal Molecules

In ACE-T9, the imaging capability, folding dynamics, and assembly behavior of linear colloidal chains, colloidal dimers, and lock-and-key particles were studied by the combination of a proper design of particle architecture and tunable colloidal interactions (e.g., double layer repulsion and hydrophobic attraction). In the case of colloidal chains, for example, the single chain dynamics should sensitively depend on the chain flexibility and monomer-solvent interactions. Under the microgravity environment, we hoped to observe qualitative three-dimensional, real-time dynamics of single colloidal chains (using pre-confocal - bright field and fluorescent microscopy. We also aimed to observe three-dimensional structures assembled from colloidal dimers and lock-and-key particles and to measure the binding equilibrium constants that are impossible to measure in earth experiments due to the effect of sedimentation.