Module 5 – Self-Assembly at Surfaces
The major topic of this module is to develop a better understanding of hierarchical self-organization, and to make use of the resulting nanostructures to develop materials with new functions. A particular focus will be on the development of
- new, functional nanomolecules
- materials that allow a high level of communication with biological systems
The objective of this topic is the design, preparation, and evaluation of new, technically relevant materials
and molecular systems with characteristic dimensions in the nanometer range that fulfill chemical, physical,
and biological functions. Particular emphasis will be placed upon chemically "smart" materials.
To allow a maximum flexibility and adaptability, we will focus on hierarchically self-assembled
nano-structures, i.e., programmed non-covalent organization of individual building blocks over distinct
multiple levels. Frequently such assemblies exhibit unique properties and functions that are not inherent
within the basic units. As primary, chemically highly programmed building blocks we will use tailor-made
functional (bio)polymers, dendrimers, organic and inorganic structures and nanoparticles, -tubes, and –wires
which allow the formation of a plethora of novel superlattices and arrays with new properties.
A particular challenge of this module will be to mimic the highly complex and beautiful molecular
architectures that are ubiquitous in nature where they fulfill all important functions and processes of life.
It is obvious that the preparation of functional structures of similar perfection and elegance requires an
exact spatial and temporal coordination of all structural units in addition to the precise tuning of the
molecular recognition features within them. This control critically relies on synthesis and assembly at a
high degree of precision and reproducibility. In this context it will be of crucial importance to develop a
deeper understanding of how self-organization, the resulting structures and interfacial patterns are
controlled by the (molecular) architecture of the building blocks. As a result of the self-organized
superstructure formation, desirable, well-defined functions such as recognition, cooperativity, regulation,
replication, and catalysis are expressed.
Since the NCCR has a strong biological and biomedical component, one major goal will be the development of
new, functional nanomolecules and -materials that allow a high level of communication with biological systems.
Crucial to reach this communication is the invention of suitable interfaces between synthetic and living
matter. It is expected that this will have considerable impact on the development of new generations of
implant materials, drug delivery systems, gene vectors, or diagnostic tools.
Another focus will be on using self-assembled architectures as templates or scaffolds for the growth of
organic and inorganic structures, particles, wires or tubes. These nano-patterned materials and arrays
promise exceptional optical, mechanical, electronic or magnetic properties.
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Freeze-fracture TEM image showing the self-assembly of A6K2. The bar is 200 nm. The presence of a network of tubules of different diameter (blue and yellow arrows) and circular particles (red arrows) suggests a self-assembly process heading to a mixed structure probably due to a concentration dependency of the assembly. |
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