Self-Assembly of Large and Small Molecules into Hierarchically Ordered Sacs and Membranes
Abstract
We report here the self-assembly of macroscopic sacs and membranes at the interface between two aqueous solutions, one containing a megadalton polymer and the other, small self-assembling molecules bearing opposite charge. The resulting structures have a highly ordered architecture in which nanofiber bundles align and reorient by nearly 90° as the membrane grows. The formation of a diffusion barrier upon contact between the two liquids prevents their chaotic mixing. We hypothesize that growth of the membrane is then driven by a dynamic synergy between osmotic pressure of ions and static self-assembly. These robust, self-sealing macroscopic structures offer opportunities in many areas, including the formation of privileged environments for cells, immune barriers, new biological assays, and self-assembly of ordered thick membranes for diverse applications.
- Publication:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1154586
- Bibcode:
- 2008Sci...319.1812C
- Keywords:
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- MAT SCI