Fig. 6: Structural parameters of PNF supramolecular polymers.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of a instantaneously prepared PNF assemblies with 0 eq. SDT, b kinetically grown tape structures using 20 eq. of SDT and c kinetically grown structures with 40 eq. SDT. d–f are corresponding structured illumination microscopic (SIM) images. g Histogram showing the length distribution of the tapes for instantaneously grown structures from top to bottom at 0 eq. SDT (PDI = 1.24, L_w = 2.27 µm, L_n = 1.83 µm, n = 473, red color histogram), kinetically controlled growth of tapes at 20 eq. SDT (PDI = 1.1, L_w = 2.23 µm, L_n = 2.03 µm, n = 472, blue color histogram) and at 40 eq. SDT (PDI = 1.03, L_w = 3.09 µm, L_n = 3 µm, n = 350, green color histogram), obtained from the SIM images. The dotted lines are drawn from the maximum for each eq. of PDI distribution to guide the eye. L_w = weight-average length, L_n = number-average length, n = number of tapes counted, PDI = polydispersity index. [PNF] = 5 × 10⁻⁵ M, CH₃CN/H₂O (1:1 v/v), pH = 8, buffer. Fluorescent probe: 5 µM Nile red, λ_exc = 561 nm.