Figure 6. Formation of a single-layer continuous membrane on mica and membrane self-repair.

(a–c) in situ AFM images at different time points showing formation of single-layer continuous Pep-3 membranes on mica through a process of heterogeneous nucleation and lateral growth. (d–f) In situ AFM images at different time points showing the anisotropic self-repair of one Pep-3 membrane with mechanically induced defects along the x, y and 45° to x and y directions, in which the Pep-3 membrane exhibited the most rapid repair along the x direction.