The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables quantitative analysis of soft material assemblies across hydrated and dry environments. Liquid AFM was applied to microalgal colloids to probe hydrated cell wall elasticity, resolving stiffness heterogeneity (14–121 kPa) linked to deformation thresholds relevant to vesicle biogenesis. Conventional AFM examined vitrimeric covalent adaptable networks, where phase contrast revealed nanoscale topological domains formed by permanent versus dynamic crosslinks that govern the topological freezing temperature, reprocessability, and toughness. Together, AFM provides structural–mechanical descriptors for bridging hydrated and topological mechanics across colloidal and polymer network systems.