Issue 12, 2022

Co-assembly of a multicomponent network of nanofiber-wrapped nanotubes

Abstract

Strategies to create organized multicomponent nanostructures composed of discrete, self-sorted domains are important for developing materials that mimic the complexity and multifunctionality found in biological systems. These structures can be challenging to achieve due to the required balance of molecular self-recognition and supramolecular attraction needed between the components. Herein, we report a strategy to construct a two-component nanostructure via a hierarchical assembly process whereby two monomeric building blocks undergo self-sorting assembly at the molecular level followed by a supramolecular association to form a nanofiber-wrapped nanotube. The two molecules self-sorted into respective nanofiber and nanotube assemblies, yet assembly of the nanofibers in the presence of the nanotube template allowed for directed integration into a hierarchical multilayer structure via electrostatic interactions. The fiber-wrapped nanotube co-assembly was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the components. Strategies to co-assemble multicomponent nanostructures composed of discrete, spatially sorted domains with controllable higher level interactions will be critical for the development of novel, functionally competent nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract: Co-assembly of a multicomponent network of nanofiber-wrapped nanotubes

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Des. 2021
Accepted
02 Mrt. 2022
First published
02 Mrt. 2022

Nanoscale, 2022,14, 4531-4537

Author version available

Co-assembly of a multicomponent network of nanofiber-wrapped nanotubes

M. L. Mason, T. Lin, J. J. Linville and J. R. Parquette, Nanoscale, 2022, 14, 4531 DOI: 10.1039/D1NR08508E

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