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
21 Aug. 2018
Accepted
18 Sept. 2018
First published
19 Sept. 2018

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

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