Emergent mechanical properties of self-assembled polymeric capsules.
Published
Journal Article
Synthetic self-assembled systems combine responsiveness and reversibility with the ability to perform chemical tasks such as molecular recognition and catalysis. An unmet challenge is the construction of polymeric materials that, like nature's tubulin, are simultaneously reversible and capable of useful physical tasks. We report here a class of reversibly formed polymers that show covalent-polymer mechanical integrity in solution and in the solid state. Non-Newtonian, polymeric behavior is observed despite the low molecular weight of the individual subunits and the seemingly weak forces holding the assemblies together. These polymers assemble through self-complementary hydrogen bonding and by physical encapsulation of small molecules; accordingly, the emergent macroscopic structure and function can be controlled by appropriate chemical signals.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Castellano, RK; Clark, R; Craig, SL; Nuckolls, C; Rebek, J
Published Date
- November 2000
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 97 / 23
Start / End Page
- 12418 - 12421
PubMed ID
- 11070074
Pubmed Central ID
- 11070074
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1091-6490
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0027-8424
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1073/pnas.97.23.12418
Language
- eng