Issue 40, 2018

Macromolecular crowding for materials-directed controlled self-assembly

Abstract

Macromolecular crowding refers to intracellular environments where various macromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, are present at high total concentrations. Its influence on biological processes has been investigated using a highly concentrated in vitro solution of water-soluble polymers as a model. Studies have revealed significant effects of macromolecular crowding on the thermodynamic equilibria and dynamics of biomolecular self-assembly in vivo. Recently, macromolecular crowding has attracted materials scientists, especially those in bio-related areas, as a tool to control molecular/colloidal self-assembly. Macromolecular crowding has been exploited to control the structure of supramolecular materials, assemble nanomaterials, and improve the performance of polymeric materials. Furthermore, nanostructured materials have been shown to be an interesting alternative to water-soluble polymers for creating crowded environments for controlled self-assembly. In this review article, we summarize recent progress in research on macromolecular crowding for controlled self-assembly in bio-related materials chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Macromolecular crowding for materials-directed controlled self-assembly

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
10 ذو الحجة 1439
Accepted
08 محرم 1440
First published
09 محرم 1440

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 6344-6359

Macromolecular crowding for materials-directed controlled self-assembly

Y. Hata, T. Sawada and T. Serizawa, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018, 6, 6344 DOI: 10.1039/C8TB02201A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements