Multivalent, multiflavored droplets by design

Abstract

Whereas crystals and other geometrical structures can be self-assembled under equilibrium conditions from a few particles with a few, often simple, identical interactions, functional materials require a multitude of specific interactions between many different types of particles and nonequilibrium, often hierarchical assembly. Here, we introduce a set of building blocks on the colloidal micrometer scale with designed valence and specificity that readily make linear, branched, or other programmed connected networks, yet maintain the flexibility needed to fold, unfold, or restructure from the original backbone. We demonstrate the self-assembly of alternating copolymers, hetero chains, trivalent clusters, and a dynamic programmability by opening and closing chain ends.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Aug 27, 2018
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1718511115

Entities

People

  • Jasna Brujic
  • Nadrian C. Seeman
  • Paul Chaikin
  • Rebecca Zhuo
  • Ruojie Sha
  • Xiaojin He
  • Yin Zhang

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • Division of Materials Research
  • Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
  • National Science Foundation
  • New York University
  • Office of Naval Research Global
  • United States Department of Energy

Tags

Readers

  • Mathematical Modeling and Probability Theory.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics