Using the technique of direct-imaging cryo-transmission electron microscopy(cryo-TEM) and NS-TEM, we quantitatively study the time-evolution from micelles of C12-β12 (N-α-lauryl-lysyl-aminolauryl-lysyl-amide) to closed nanotubes, passing through several types of intermediates. The process consists of the evolution of elongated fibrils into twisted ribbons, and later, into coiled helical ribbons.
We measure the pitch, width and radius of the ribbons at different times during their evolution. We find a good quantitative agreement between the measured data and recent theoretical predictions, derived from incompatible elasticity theory.
zhangmingming8848@gmail.com
