The creation of self-assembling microscale architectures that possess new and useful physical properties remains a significant challenge. Herein we report that an 11-helical foldamer self-assembles in a controlled manner to form a series of 3D foldectures with unusual three-fold symmetrical shapes that are distinct from those generated from 12-helical foldamers. The foldamer packing motif was revealed by powder X-ray diffraction technique, and provides an important link between the molecular-level symmetry and the microscale morphologies. The utility of foldectures with hollow interiors as robust and well-defined supramolecular hosts was demonstrated for inorganic, organic, and even protein guests. This work will pave the way for the design of functional foldectures with greater 3D shape diversity and for the development of biocompatible delivery vehicles and containment vessels.
Abstract:The creation of self-assembling microscale architectures that possess new and useful physical properties remains as ignificant challenge.H erein we report that an 11-helical foldamer self-assembles in acontrolled manner to form aseries of 3D foldectures with unusual three-fold symmetrical shapes that are distinct from those generated from 12-helical foldamers.T he foldamer packing motif was revealed by powder X-raydiffraction technique,and provides an important link between the molecular-level symmetry and the microscale morphologies.T he utility of foldectures with hollowi nteriors as robust and well-defined supramolecular hosts was demonstrated for inorganic,o rganic, and even protein guests.T his work will pave the way for the design of functional foldectures with greater 3D shape diversity and for the development of biocompatible delivery vehicles and containment vessels.
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