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Updated: May 20, 2025
09:26
Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
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Chemical control of colloidal self-assembly driven by the electrosolvation force
Sida Wang1, Rowan Walker-Gibbons1, Bethany Watkins1
1Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Nature Communications
|March 25, 2025
Summary
The electrosolvation force, driven by interfacial electrolyte structure, influences molecular self-assembly. Adding neutral molecules can tune this force, impacting protein structure and biomolecular condensation.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Solution Chemistry
- Interfacial Science
Background:
- Self-assembly in solution relies on attractive forces overcoming entropy.
- These forces are crucial for crystallization, protein folding, aggregation, and biofouling.
- The electrosolvation force offers a new paradigm for matter organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physical chemistry of the electrosolvation force.
- To demonstrate how interfacial electrolyte structure governs self-assembly.
- To explore the tuning of self-assembly via neutral molecule addition.
Main Methods:
- Investigating the role of interfacial electrolyte structure.
- Analyzing the impact of neutral molecules (solvents, osmolytes, surfactants) at low concentrations.
- Observing disruption or reinforcement of interfacial solvent structure.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting the electrosolvation force's origin in interfacial electrolyte structure.
- Demonstration that neutral molecules can chemically tune self-assembly.
- Unveiling mechanistic insights into co-solvent and osmolyte effects on protein behavior.
Conclusions:
- The electrosolvation force is a key interaction in solution-phase self-assembly.
- Interfacial solvent structure is a critical determinant of self-assembly.
- Understanding this force allows for control over molecular and macroscopic structure formation.
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