From molecular modules to modular materials

Abstract

The combination of metallosupramolecular modules (MEMOs) as functional and amphiphiles as structural components is presented in detail to illustrate our current understanding of encapsulation using surfactants, lipids, and dendrimers. The simplicity of fabrication and the availability of the starting components allow this technique as an attractive tool to create new nanoscale molecular materials. The interaction of amphiphiles and MEMOs occurs spontaneously and is driven by the release of counterions as well as electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.