Self-assembled materials

Self-assembled materials are formed from forces such as hydrogen bonding, dipolar forces, other Van der Waals forces, hydrophillic or hydrophobic interactions referred to as `supramolecular interactions.' These interactions lead to atomic aggregates that are typically larger than conventional molecular species, are regular in form and appearance, and have some properties unlike either their constituents or bulk properties of similar materials. Biological structures formed by self-assembly include membranes, vesicles, tubules, DNA and a wide variety of structures in the cell. There is opportunity for industrial interest and a desire to explore the principles and the ramifications for mass production.