Amphiphiles finite amphiphilic assemblies

In Nature, self-assembly to form finite assemblies often involves the non-covalent organization of molecules containing not only amphiphilic character, but also specific information needed for additional intermolecular recognition processes to occur, e.g., hydrogen... 

The general principles of self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules into finite-sized aggregates (micelles) are described in a number of classic books [34-36]. In our analysis of micelle formation we apply the equilibrium close association model. That is, we assume first that only one population of micelles, with an aggregation number p (number of copolymers in one aggregate), is present in the system at any given concentration of amphiphiles in the solution, or that there are no micelles at all and second, that the free energy per molecule in a micelle, Fp, exhibits a minimum at a certain value of the aggregation number, p = po. 

A poor solubility of the hydrophobic blocks B in water provides the driving force for self-assembly of polymeric amphiphiles in aqueous media. This driving force is counterbalanced by repulsive interactions between the hydrophilic blocks, which ensure the formation of finite-sized aggregates in favor of a macroscopic phase separation at concentrations above the CMC. In these aggregates, blocks B associate in a dense hydrophobic core that is surrounded by a hydrated corona, formed by the... 

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