Nanofibers from Functionalized Dendritic Molecules

Abstract

One‐dimensional supramolecular assembly of dendrimers (see picture) has been achieved by multiple weak interactions between highly branched molecules with irregular structures. This finding contradicts the widely accepted assumption that precise matching of directional interactions and steric constraints is required to facilitate long‐range one‐dimensional supramolecular assembly.

Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic hyperbranched polyglycerols modified with palmitoyl chloride

“…It was found that, similar to the above-noted well-defined polymer tecton, HBPs have displayed great potential as excellent precursors in solution selfassembly, interfacial self-assembly, and hybrid self-assembly [9]. Many impressive supramolecular aggregates and hybrids at all scales and dimensions, such as macroscopic tubes [10], micro-or nanovesicles [11,12], fibers [13,14], large compound vesicles [15], and honeycomb films [16,17], have been generated. Although still being at the early stage, HBPs have demonstrated unique characteristics or advantages in supramolecular self-assembly behaviors, including controllable morphologies and structures, special properties, characteristic self-assembly mechanisms, and facile functionalization processes [9].…”

Assembling hyperbranched polymerics

“…[7][8][9][10][11] Highly branched polymers with cores, joints and branches, tree-like architecture, and a low level of entanglements possess different physical properties when compared with linear polymers. 12,13 Other macromolecular architectures, such as star-shaped block copolymers, have been found to exhibit interesting aggregation behavior, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] which can be used for a guided formation of fluorescent nanofibers and microfibers. 22,23 The multiple terminal groups are used to control the assembly of the molecules in solution, and at surfaces and interfaces [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] as well as their stimuli-responsive behavior.…”

Hybrid Nanoalloy: Nanofibers Fabricated by Self‐Assembling Dendrimers Mediate In Situ CdSe Quantum Dots and Their Metallization with Discrete Gold Nanoparticles

“…Remarkably, a uniform, stable 1D morphology is formed by dewetting of the dendrimer solution on a hydrophobic surface 8b. In contrast, multiple weak interactions among high‐molecular‐weight amphiphilic and hyperbranched polyester molecules can facilitate assembly into micrometer long and well‐ordered uniform nanofibers 9…”