Polysaccharide Nanocrystals-Based Chiral Nematic Structures: From Self-Assembly Mechanisms, Regulation, to...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chiral architectures are crucial in nature, inspiring the development of novel functional materials.
• Renewable and sustainable building blocks are sought for constructing complex chiral structures efficiently.
• Polysaccharide nanocrystals (PNs), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), offer sustainable alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review on the development and applications of CNCs and ChNCs.
• To discuss the self-assembly processes of PNs into chiral nematic structures.
• To highlight emerging applications of these self-assembled chiral nematic structures.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on polysaccharide nanocrystals and chiral architectures.
• Analysis of the self-assembly mechanisms of CNCs and ChNCs.
• Compilation of current and potential applications of self-assembled chiral nematic PNs.

Main Results:

• PNs, particularly CNCs and ChNCs, can self-assemble into chiral nematic structures.
• These structures can be formed in aqueous suspensions and preserved in the solid state.
• Emerging applications in advanced functional materials are demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• CNCs and ChNCs are promising sustainable building blocks for creating advanced functional materials with chiral architectures.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and explore new opportunities in this field.