Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Assembling of dense fluorescent supramolecular webs via self-propelled star-shaped aggregates
Kirsten L Genson1, Jason Holzmueller, Maryna Ornatska
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, USA.
Abstract:
We report a novel mechanism of assembly of dendronized rod molecules into a dense supramolecular fluorescencent web featuring self-propelled mechanistic inward motion of star-shaped aggregates within a solution droplet. We suggest that such a motion (observed in real time) is caused by the self-repulsion of the growing star-shaped nuclei from the liquid-solid-air interface in the course of one-dimensional growth of the anchored arms. An intriguing mechanism discovered here involves microscopic (hundred micrometers) directional motion of the microscopic aggregates driven by one-dimensional molecular assembly, which opens a new venue for guided assembly of dense mesoscopic supramolecular webs. Such assemblies can serve as interesting microfluidic networks, a web of optical switches, and model systems for studying intercellular communication.
Related Concept Videos
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin networks...
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Formation of Intermediate Filaments

