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Direct visualization of a guest-triggered crystal deformation based on a flexible ultramicroporous framework
Host–guest materials open up the possibility of tuning physical properties based on the addition of appropriate guests. Here, a flexible, porous coordination polymer is reported, in which the addition of guest molecules significantly alters the thermal expansion properties as well as deforming the crystal lattice.
- Hao-Long Zhou
- , Rui-Biao Lin
- & Xiao-Ming Chen
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DNA-directed self-assembly of shape-controlled hydrogels
The development of a series of orthogonal binding interactions to direct the controlled self-assembly of mesoscale objects is desirable. Here, the authors use DNA as a sequence-specific glue to assemble hydrogel cuboids into a diverse series of structures in the micro- to millimeter length scale.
- Hao Qi
- , Majid Ghodousi
- & Ali Khademhosseini
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| Open AccessSelective isolation of gold facilitated by second-sphere coordination with α-cyclodextrin
Currently, gold recovery from waste materials requires inorganic cyanides and more environmentally benign methods are required. Here, the authors report that host–guest interactions between α-cyclodextrin and gold lead to the precipitation of one-dimensional superstructures, offering a selective and green alternative.
- Zhichang Liu
- , Marco Frasconi
- & J. Fraser Stoddart
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Stepwise self-assembly of C60 mediated by atomic scale moiré magnifiers
A promising route towards molecular devices is the self-assembly of atoms or molecules on a surface. Here, Gruznev et al. show that the synthesis of unique geometries of C60molecules on gold–indium-covered crystalline silicon is governed by moiré interference.
- D.V. Gruznev
- , A.V. Matetskiy
- & Y.L. Wang
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Chemically programmed self-sorting of gelator networks
The fabrication self-sorting supramolecular gels, containing co-existing homomolecular assemblies with similar physical and chemical properties, is challenging. Here pH-controlled self-sorting gelators are reported, where the order of assembly of each component is predetermined by gelator pKa.
- Kyle L. Morris
- , Lin Chen
- & Dave J. Adams
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| Open AccessGlobally homochiral assembly of two-dimensional molecular networks triggered by co-absorbers
The construction of homochiral surfaces may play a significant role in applications including heterogeneous catalysis and bio-sensors. Here, globally homochiral two-dimensional assemblies of achiral molecules are formed via co-assembly with chiral co-adsorbers, demonstrating a ‘majority rules’ effect.
- Ting Chen
- , Wen-Hong Yang
- & Li-Jun Wan
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| Open AccessBolaform surfactants with polyoxometalate head groups and their assembly into ultra-small monolayer membrane vesicles
Bolaform amphiphiles are surfactants with two hydrophilic end groups, known to form stable micelles. Polarz et al.have synthesized dipolar bolaform surfactants with polyoxometallate head groups, which have a very low self-organization concentration and form nanoscale monolayer vesicles.
- Steve Landsmann
- , Martin Luka
- & Sebastian Polarz
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| Open AccessExpansion–contraction of photoresponsive artificial muscle regulated by host–guest interactions
Polymer-based actuators, which deform in response to external stimuli, may advance the understanding of biological movement or realization of soft robotics. Here, Harada et al. report a photo-responsive supramolecular hydrogel that displays expansion–contraction abilities owing to host–guest interactions.
- Yoshinori Takashima
- , Shogo Hatanaka
- & Akira Harada
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| Open AccessCarbon nanotube–liposome supramolecular nanotrains for intelligent molecular-transport systems
There is growing interest in the development of artificial molecular-transport systems. Miyakoet al. develop a supramolecular system consisting of carbon nanotubes and liposomes that allows the directional transport and controlled release of cargo molecules.
- Eijiro Miyako
- , Kenji Kono
- & Yoshihisa Hagihara
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Orthogonal switching of a single supramolecular complex
Orthogonal switching has been achieved in supramolecular systems, in which different responses can be triggered on demand by different stimuli. Tian et al.report host–guest heteroternary complexes with both redox- and light-responsive guests in a single, supramolecular entity.
- Feng Tian
- , Dezhi Jiao
- & Oren A. Scherman
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Electrografting of calix[4]arenediazonium salts to form versatile robust platforms for spatially controlled surface functionalization
The spontaneous adsorption of alkanethiols is widely utilized to fabricate functional surfaces but gives limited stability and regularity. Mattiuzziet al. report a method that uses preorganized platforms (rigid tetrapodant calix[4]arenes), which allows further surface functionalization and spatial control.
- Alice Mattiuzzi
- , Ivan Jabin
- & Corinne Lagrost
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Computational design of self-assembling register-specific collagen heterotrimers
The computational prediction of complex protein architectures has been used to design globular proteins, but the folding of collagen triple helices is difficult to predict. Here, a sequence-based scoring function for triple helix is developed and used to select sequences likely to self-assemble with high stability.
- Jorge A. Fallas
- & Jeffrey D. Hartgerink
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Self-assembling subnanometer pores with unusual mass-transport properties
Molecular systems with rigid macrocyclic backbones self-assemble into synthetic nanopores that mimic the mass-transport characteristics of biological channels. Zhouet al. produce self-assembling hydrophobic nanopores that mediate highly selective transmembrane ion transport and highly efficient transmembrane water permeability.
- Xibin Zhou
- , Guande Liu
- & Bing Gong
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Stereoselectivity and electrostatics in charge-transfer Mn- and Cs-TCNQ4 networks on Ag(100)
The crystallization of a racemate on a surface can lead to crystals with a unit cell containing both enantiomers, or to the separation of enantiomers into crystals of single-handedness. This study shows that manganese co-absorbed with a quinone derivative leads to achiral islands, while co-absorption with caesium gives chiral islands.
- Nasiba Abdurakhmanova
- , Andrea Floris
- & Klaus Kern
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| Open AccessSwitching of macroscopic molecular recognition selectivity using a mixed solvent system
Self-assembly via molecular recognition events is used in the production of functionalized materials. This Article reports that the macroscopic assembly of polyacrylamide gels can be controlled by changing the composition of a mixed solvent system.
- Yongtai Zheng
- , Akihito Hashidzume
- & Akira Harada
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| Open AccessGiant regular polyhedra from calixarene carboxylates and uranyl
Self-assembly of multi-component systems can be used to construct discrete, well-defined, nanoscopic-sized cages. Pasqualeet al. report the self-assembly of conical-shaped carboxylic acid derivatives of calix[4]arene and calix[5]arene, and the uranyl cation UO22+into octahedral and icosahedral anionic metallocages.
- Sara Pasquale
- , Sara Sattin
- & Javier de Mendoza
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| Open AccessRedox-responsive self-healing materials formed from host–guest polymers
Stimulus-responsive hydrogels have previously been developed that display heat-, light-, pH- or redox-induced sol–gel transitions. Nakahataet al. develop a self-healing supramolecular hydrogel based on host–guest polymers in which redox potential can induce a reversible sol–gel phase transition.
- Masaki Nakahata
- , Yoshinori Takashima
- & Akira Harada
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| Open AccessTheoretical models of nonlinear effects in two-component cooperative supramolecular copolymerizations
In multi-component mixtures of self-assembling molecules, small differences in association energy between components can be amplified by nonlinear effects. This theoretical investigation of self-assembling systems rationalizes chiral amplification in cooperative supramolecular copolymerizations.
- Albert J. Markvoort
- , Huub M.M. ten Eikelder
- & E.W. Meijer
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Responsive nematic gels from the self-assembly of aqueous nanofibres
Hydrogels have a variety of applications including tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Here, liquid-crystal hydrogels are developed which transform into a fluid solution upon cooling; cells can be encapsulated in the gel at room temperature, then released at physiological temperatures.
- Zhegang Huang
- , Hyojin Lee
- & Myongsoo Lee
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Metallosupramolecular self-assembly of a universal 3-ravel
There has been recent progress in the synthesis of complex intertwined supramolecular topologies. In this study, Liet al.report the self-assembly of an intertwined structure based on a universal 3-ravel.
- Feng Li
- , Jack K. Clegg
- & George V. Meehan
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Porous organic molecular solids by dynamic covalent scrambling
The construction of porous solids from discrete organic molecules usually involves the formation of regular porous crystals. In this study, a covalent scrambling reaction gives molecules with a range of shapes that do not pack effectively — manipulation of the reagent ratio allows fine control of porosity.
- Shan Jiang
- , James T. A. Jones
- & Andrew I. Cooper
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| Open AccessCrystallographic observation of 'induced fit' in a cryptophane host–guest model system
Cryptophane-A is a prototypical organic host molecule that binds reversibly to neutral guest molecules. Taratulaet al.report X-ray structures of cryptophane-A complexed with a range of host molecules to show that the cryptophane host–guest system exhibits ‘induced fit’.
- Olena Taratula
- , P. Aru Hill
- & Ivan J. Dmochowski
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Self-assembled aggregates formed by single-molecule magnets on a gold surface
The spontaneous ordering of molecules into two-dimensional arrays is usually a result of directional intermolecular interactions. Here, it is shown that electrospray-deposited Mn12(acetate)16forms filamentary aggregates driven by anisotropic interactions, which are a consequence of the complex shape of the molecule.
- Alex Saywell
- , Graziano Magnano
- & Peter H. Beton
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Fluidic supramolecular nano- and microfibres as molecular rails for regulated movement of nanosubstances
Microtubules act as molecular tracks for the transport of substances within cells, and have inspired the construction of artificial supramolecular fibres. Here, self-assembled glycol–lipid fibres are shown to be sufficiently fluid to allow directional movement of attached molecules, proteins and nanobeads.
- Shun-ichi Tamaru
- , Masato Ikeda
- & Itaru Hamachi