Soft matter nanoscopy

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM), also known as nanoscopy, has gained ground in the past decade as a valuable imaging and characterization tool to investigate sub-μm architectures. Widespread is its usage in cell biology and biophysics, while visualization of the inner life of man-made materials is still in its infancy. In this contribution, we review pioneering studies in this emerging application area focusing on the SRM imaging of mesoscale structures within soft nanomaterials, and its impact on the rational design of their functional properties. These studies on (supramolecular) polymers, colloidal particles, emulsions, foams and association colloids showcase the broad application perspective of nanoscopy owing to its high spatial resolution, low invasiveness, high penetration depth, high sensitivity, chemical specificity, and straightforward sample preparation.