Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization.

The average diameter, length, and curvature of the colloidal SU-8 bananas were also determined by analyzing at least 200 particles from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images using custom-written image analysis routines in Mathematica. SEM images were taken with a JSM-6010LV electron microscope working at 20 kV. Samples were prepared by depositing a drop of diluted aqueous particle dispersion onto a silicon chip. The solvent was evaporated using a heat lamp. Prior to the imaging, a thin layer of palladium was deposited on the sample using a Quorum SC7820 Sputter Coater.