Self-assembly of large and small molecules into hierarchically ordered sacs and membranes |
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Authors: | Capito Ramille M Azevedo Helena S Velichko Yuri S Mata Alvaro Stupp Samuel I |
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Institution: | Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. |
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Abstract: | We report here the self-assembly of macroscopic sacs and membranes at the interface between two aqueous solutions, one containing a megadalton polymer and the other, small self-assembling molecules bearing opposite charge. The resulting structures have a highly ordered architecture in which nanofiber bundles align and reorient by nearly 90 degrees as the membrane grows. The formation of a diffusion barrier upon contact between the two liquids prevents their chaotic mixing. We hypothesize that growth of the membrane is then driven by a dynamic synergy between osmotic pressure of ions and static self-assembly. These robust, self-sealing macroscopic structures offer opportunities in many areas, including the formation of privileged environments for cells, immune barriers, new biological assays, and self-assembly of ordered thick membranes for diverse applications. |
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