scholarly journals Polymer Cyclization as a General Strategy for the Emergence of Hierarchical Nanostructures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaojian Chen ◽  
Manjesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Katrin Wunderlich ◽  
Sean Harvey ◽  
Manfred Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linear Poly ◽  
Polymer Folding ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

The creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, we report the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike structures and higher-ordered networks. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.

Polymer Cyclization as a General Strategy for the Emergence of Hierarchical Nanostructures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaojian Chen ◽  
Manjesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Katrin Wunderlich ◽  
Sean Harvey ◽  
Manfred Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linear Poly ◽  
Polymer Folding ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

The creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, here wedemonstrate the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike structures and higher-ordered networks. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.

scholarly journals Polymer Cyclization as a General Strategy for the Emergence of Hierarchical Nanostructures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaojian Chen ◽  
Manjesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Katrin Wunderlich ◽  
Sean Harvey ◽  
Manfred Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linear Poly ◽  
Polymer Folding ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

The creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, here wedemonstrate the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike structures and higher-ordered networks. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.

scholarly journals Polymer cyclization for the emergence of hierarchical nanostructures

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaojian Chen ◽  
Manjesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Katrin Wunderlich ◽  
Sean Harvey ◽  
Colette J. Whitfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Nanomaterial Synthesis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linear Poly ◽  
Polymer Folding ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, here we demonstrate the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike and higher-ordered structures. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.

scholarly journals Aspiration-assisted bioprinting for precise positioning of biologics

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. eaaw5111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bugra Ayan ◽  
Dong Nyoung Heo ◽  
Zhifeng Zhang ◽  
Madhuri Dey ◽  
Adomas Povilianskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Physical Mechanism ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Bioprinting ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
3D Space ◽  
Magnitude Range ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an appealing approach for building tissues; however, bioprinting of mini-tissue blocks (i.e., spheroids) with precise control on their positioning in 3D space has been a major obstacle. Here, we unveil “aspiration-assisted bioprinting (AAB),” which enables picking and bioprinting biologics in 3D through harnessing the power of aspiration forces, and when coupled with microvalve bioprinting, it facilitated different biofabrication schemes including scaffold-based or scaffold-free bioprinting at an unprecedented placement precision, ~11% with respect to the spheroid size. We studied the underlying physical mechanism of AAB to understand interactions between aspirated viscoelastic spheroids and physical governing forces during aspiration and bioprinting. We bioprinted a wide range of biologics with dimensions in an order-of-magnitude range including tissue spheroids (80 to 600 μm), tissue strands (~800 μm), or single cells (electrocytes, ~400 μm), and as applications, we illustrated the patterning of angiogenic sprouting spheroids and self-assembly of osteogenic spheroids.

scholarly journals Homopolymer self-assembly of poly(propylene sulfone) hydrogels via dynamic noncovalent sulfone–sulfone bonding

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanfan Du ◽  
Baofu Qiao ◽  
Trung Dac Nguyen ◽  
Michael P. Vincent ◽  
Sharan Bobbala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Encapsulation Efficiency ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Solvent Polarity ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Poly Propylene ◽  
Water Ratio

Abstract Natural biomolecules such as peptides and DNA can dynamically self-organize into diverse hierarchical structures. Mimicry of this homopolymer self-assembly using synthetic systems has remained limited but would be advantageous for the design of adaptive bio/nanomaterials. Here, we report both experiments and simulations on the dynamic network self-assembly and subsequent collapse of the synthetic homopolymer poly(propylene sulfone). The assembly is directed by dynamic noncovalent sulfone–sulfone bonds that are susceptible to solvent polarity. The hydration history, specified by the stepwise increase in water ratio within lower polarity water-miscible solvents like dimethylsulfoxide, controls the homopolymer assembly into crystalline frameworks or uniform nanostructured hydrogels of spherical, vesicular, or cylindrical morphologies. These electrostatic hydrogels have a high affinity for a wide range of organic solutes, achieving >95% encapsulation efficiency for hydrophilic small molecules and biologics. This system validates sulfone–sulfone bonding for dynamic self-assembly, presenting a robust platform for controllable gelation, nanofabrication, and molecular encapsulation.

Nanoparticles and self-organisation: the emergence of hierarchical properties from the nanoparticle soup (i.e., the small is getting bigger). Concluding remarks for Faraday Discussion: Nanoparticle Synthesis and Assembly.

2015 ◽  
Vol 181 ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Schiffrin
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Optical Materials ◽  
Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Colloid Science ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Properties Of Materials ◽  
Discussion Format

Some four years ago, one of the participants in this Discussion (Prof. Nicholas Kotov) predicted that: “within five years we shall see multiple examples of electronic, sensor, optical and other devices utilizing self-assembled superstructures” (N. A. Kotov, J. Mater. Chem., 2011, 21, 16673–16674). Although this prediction came partially to fruition, we have witnessed an unprecedented interest in the properties of materials at the nanoscale. The point highlighted by Kotov, however, was the importance of self-assembly of structures from well characterised building blocks to yield hierarchical structures, hopefully with predictable properties, a concept that is an everyday pursuit of synthetic chemists. This Discussion has brought together researchers from a wide range of disciplines, i.e., colloid science, modelling, nanoparticle synthesis and organisation, magnetic and optical materials, and new imaging methods, within the excellent traditional Faraday Discussion format, to discuss advances in areas relevant to the main theme of the meeting.

A general strategy to incorporate a wide range of metallic salts into ring-like organized nanostructures via polymer self-assembly

RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (105) ◽  
pp. 102843-102852 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Khanafer ◽  
A. Issa ◽  
S. Akil ◽  
T. Hamieh ◽  
P. M. Adam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Multifunctional Materials ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Metallic Salts

We present a general strategy for incorporating metallic precursors into ring-like nanostructures. The method is promising for the fabrication of multifunctional materials.

scholarly journals Polyhedra Self-Assembled from DNA Tripods and Characterized with 3D DNA-PAINT

Science ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 344 (6179) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryosuke Iinuma ◽  
Yonggang Ke ◽  
Ralf Jungmann ◽  
Thomas Schlichthaerle ◽  
Johannes B. Woehrstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Fluorescent Microscopy ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Triangular Prism ◽  
Hexagonal Prism ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Pentagonal Prism ◽  
Means Of Transmission

DNA self-assembly has produced diverse synthetic three-dimensional polyhedra. These structures typically have a molecular weight no greater than 5 megadaltons. We report a simple, general strategy for one-step self-assembly of wireframe DNA polyhedra that are more massive than most previous structures. A stiff three-arm-junction DNA origami tile motif with precisely controlled angles and arm lengths was used for hierarchical assembly of polyhedra. We experimentally constructed a tetrahedron (20 megadaltons), a triangular prism (30 megadaltons), a cube (40 megadaltons), a pentagonal prism (50 megadaltons), and a hexagonal prism (60 megadaltons) with edge widths of 100 nanometers. The structures were visualized by means of transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional DNA-PAINT super-resolution fluorescent microscopy of single molecules in solution.

scholarly journals In situ three-dimensional spider web construction and mechanics

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (33) ◽  
pp. e2101296118
Author(s):  
Isabelle Su ◽  
Neosha Narayanan ◽  
Marcos A. Logrono ◽  
Kai Guo ◽  
Ally Bisshop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Spider Webs ◽  
Spider Web ◽  
Web Geometry ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
The Web

Spiders are nature’s engineers that build lightweight and high-performance web architectures often several times their size and with very few supports; however, little is known about web mechanics and geometries throughout construction, especially for three-dimensional (3D) spider webs. In this work, we investigate the structure and mechanics for a Tidarren sisyphoides spider web at varying stages of construction. This is accomplished by imaging, modeling, and simulations throughout the web-building process to capture changes in the natural web geometry and the mechanical properties. We show that the foundation of the web geometry, strength, and functionality is created during the first 2 d of construction, after which the spider reinforces the existing network with limited expansion of the structure within the frame. A better understanding of the biological and mechanical performance of the 3D spider web under construction could inspire sustainable robust and resilient fiber networks, complex materials, structures, scaffolding, and self-assembly strategies for hierarchical structures and inspire additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing as well as inspire artistic and architectural and engineering applications.

scholarly journals DNA-assembled superconducting 3D nanoscale architectures

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lior Shani ◽  
Aaron N. Michelson ◽  
Brian Minevich ◽  
Yafit Fleger ◽  
Michael Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Quantum Interference ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Electrical Characterization ◽  
Field Vector ◽  
Parametric Amplifiers ◽  
Liquid Environment ◽  
Superconducting Quantum Interference ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Physical Phenomena

Abstract Studies of nanoscale superconducting structures have revealed various physical phenomena and led to the development of a wide range of applications. Most of these studies concentrated on one- and two-dimensional structures due to the lack of approaches for creation of fully engineered three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures. Here, we present a ‘bottom-up’ method to create 3D superconducting nanostructures with prescribed multiscale organization using DNA-based self-assembly methods. We assemble 3D DNA superlattices from octahedral DNA frames with incorporated nanoparticles, through connecting frames at their vertices, which result in cubic superlattices with a 48 nm unit cell. The superconductive superlattice is formed by converting a DNA superlattice first into highly-structured 3D silica scaffold, to turn it from a soft and liquid-environment dependent macromolecular construction into a solid structure, following by its coating with superconducting niobium (Nb). Through low-temperature electrical characterization we demonstrate that this process creates 3D arrays of Josephson junctions. This approach may be utilized in development of a variety of applications such as 3D Superconducting Quantum interference Devices (SQUIDs) for measurement of the magnetic field vector, highly sensitive Superconducting Quantum Interference Filters (SQIFs), and parametric amplifiers for quantum information systems.

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