exploit the shapes, sizes, and intermolecular interactions of these building blocks to direct the formation of nanostructures. The interactions that
drive self-assembly processes will be discussed in detail in Chapter 5.
Self-assembly processes can be static or dynamic. Static self-assembly
describes the irreversible formation of a stable structure. Examples of
static self-assembly include the growth of nanotubes and nanoparticles as
well as covalent polymerization. Dynamic self-assembly describes a
reversible process such as the weak noncovalent adsorption of molecules
onto a surface and oscillating chemical reactions. Other reversible processes include the formation of the double helix of DNA and the folding of
polypeptide chains into a protein molecule. The next two chapters discuss
these two processes in more detail in the context of thermodynamics and
kinetics.
1.6 SUPRAMOLECULAR SCIENCE
Self-assembly in nanomaterials falls into the broader field of supramolecular science. Supramolecular science refers to the branch of science
that focuses on systems composed of a discrete number of molecular
subunits (molecular building blocks), such as large, complex molecules,
clusters of molecules, or small molecules bound to cavities, pockets, or
other active sites in larger molecules. Figure 1.6 illustrates examples of
both a single entity and aggregated supramolecule. Generally speaking,
the spatial organization of the building blocks is influenced by reversible
weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic forces (Chapter 5). Although irreversible interactions such as covalent bonds may also play a vital role, supramolecular
chemistry is concerned mainly with noncovalent interactions.
Supramolecular science is important in a host of processes such as protein folding, molecular recognition, self-assembly, and host-guest chemistry. The hybridization of single-stranded DNA in solution to the doublestranded form is driven by hydrogen bonds being formed between base
pairs—this process results in an extended supramolecular entity.
Supramolecular science and the study of noncovalent interactions
touches every scientific discipline from biology (e.g., biological cell structure, protein-protein interactions, drug delivery using nanovehicles),
chemistry (e.g., colloid stability, micellar nanoreactor synthesis), and
physics (e.g., organic photovoltaic systems, holography, optical coatings,
SUPRAMOLECULAR SCIENCE
11
drive self-assembly processes will be discussed in detail in Chapter 5.
Self-assembly processes can be static or dynamic. Static self-assembly
describes the irreversible formation of a stable structure. Examples of
static self-assembly include the growth of nanotubes and nanoparticles as
well as covalent polymerization. Dynamic self-assembly describes a
reversible process such as the weak noncovalent adsorption of molecules
onto a surface and oscillating chemical reactions. Other reversible processes include the formation of the double helix of DNA and the folding of
polypeptide chains into a protein molecule. The next two chapters discuss
these two processes in more detail in the context of thermodynamics and
kinetics.
1.6 SUPRAMOLECULAR SCIENCE
Self-assembly in nanomaterials falls into the broader field of supramolecular science. Supramolecular science refers to the branch of science
that focuses on systems composed of a discrete number of molecular
subunits (molecular building blocks), such as large, complex molecules,
clusters of molecules, or small molecules bound to cavities, pockets, or
other active sites in larger molecules. Figure 1.6 illustrates examples of
both a single entity and aggregated supramolecule. Generally speaking,
the spatial organization of the building blocks is influenced by reversible
weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic forces (Chapter 5). Although irreversible interactions such as covalent bonds may also play a vital role, supramolecular
chemistry is concerned mainly with noncovalent interactions.
Supramolecular science is important in a host of processes such as protein folding, molecular recognition, self-assembly, and host-guest chemistry. The hybridization of single-stranded DNA in solution to the doublestranded form is driven by hydrogen bonds being formed between base
pairs—this process results in an extended supramolecular entity.
Supramolecular science and the study of noncovalent interactions
touches every scientific discipline from biology (e.g., biological cell structure, protein-protein interactions, drug delivery using nanovehicles),
chemistry (e.g., colloid stability, micellar nanoreactor synthesis), and
physics (e.g., organic photovoltaic systems, holography, optical coatings,
SUPRAMOLECULAR SCIENCE
11