2.

Force–separation (F–S) curves measured on approach between identical SAMs (EG3-OH, SB, and C8) in PBS. Solid and dashed black lines represent the best-fit curves obtained using the two-term exponential model (eq ) for EG3-OH and SB SAMs, respectively. The repulsive forces observed for EG3-OH and SB SAMs contrast with the attractive forces measured for C8 SAMs.