Modular assembly of superstructures from polyphenol-functionalized building blocks

Abstract

The organized assembly of particles into superstructures is typically governed by specific molecular interactions or external directing factors associated with the particle building blocks, both of which are particle-dependent. These superstructures are of interest to a variety of fields because of their distinct mechanical, electronic, magnetic and optical properties. Here, we establish a facile route to a diverse range of superstructures based on the polyphenol surface-functionalization of micro- and nanoparticles, nanowires, nanosheets, nanocubes and even cells. This strategy can be used to access a large number of modularly assembled superstructures, including core-satellite, hollow and hierarchically organized supraparticles. Colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations provide detailed insights into the role of surface functionalization and how this facilitates superstructure construction. Our work provides a platform for the rapid generation of superstructured assemblies across a wide range of length scales, from nanometres to centimetres.

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Green Formation of Robust Supraparticles for Cargo Protection and Hazards Control in Natural Environments

“…The systems available for the formation of supraparticles (SPs) in the micro or macroscales involve mainly wet chemistries (e.g., emulsions or controlled aggregation) or assembly in sessile drops. Other alternatives include template‐based formation of supraparticles .…”

Light-driven fine chemical production in yeast biohybrids

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