Beyond molecules: self-assembly of mesoscopic and macroscopic components

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Apr 16;99(8):4769-74. doi: 10.1073/pnas.082065899.

Abstract

Self-assembly is a process in which components, either separate or linked, spontaneously form ordered aggregates. Self-assembly can occur with components having sizes from the molecular to the macroscopic, provided that appropriate conditions are met. Although much of the work in self-assembly has focused on molecular components, many of the most interesting applications of self-assembling processes can be found at larger sizes (nanometers to micrometers). These larger systems also offer a level of control over the characteristics of the components and over the interactions among them that makes fundamental investigations especially tractable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biology / methods*
  • Chemistry / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanotechnology
  • Polymers

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers