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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
12:33
Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles
Published on: February 4, 2013
Beyond molecules: self-assembly of mesoscopic and macroscopic components
George M Whitesides1, Mila Boncheva
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. gwhitesides@gmwgroup.harvard.edu
Summary
Self-assembly is a spontaneous process where components form ordered structures at various scales. Larger systems, from nanometers to micrometers, offer enhanced control for fundamental investigations and interesting applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Self-assembly is a fundamental process driving the formation of ordered structures from individual components.
- While extensively studied at the molecular level, significant potential lies in larger-scale self-assembling systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of self-assembly in creating ordered aggregates.
- To emphasize the advantages of studying self-assembly in larger systems (nanometers to micrometers).
Main Methods:
- Investigating self-assembly across molecular to macroscopic scales.
- Focusing on systems ranging from nanometers to micrometers.
Main Results:
- Self-assembly can occur with components of diverse sizes under appropriate conditions.
- Larger self-assembling systems (nm-µm) provide greater control over component characteristics and interactions.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembly is a versatile phenomenon applicable from molecular to macroscopic scales.
- Larger-scale self-assembly offers tractable pathways for fundamental research and novel applications.
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