Capsules, nanoscopic

The design and synthesis of supramolecular architectures with parallel control over shape and dimensions is a challenging task in current organic chemistry [13, 14], The information stored at a molecular level plays a key role in the process of self-assembly. Recent examples of nanoscopic supramolecular complexes from outside the dendrimer held include hydrogen-bonded rosettes [15,16], polymers [17], sandwiches [18, 19] and other complexes [20-22], helicates [23], grids [24], mushrooms [25], capsules [26] and spheres [27]. 

The multilayer coating of particles and formation of ultrathin microcapsules were verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM, Leica) and atomic force microscopy (AFM, NanoScope). For AFM measurements, a drop of each sample was deposited onto the silicon support (with a PEl/PSS sublayer) and dried. For CLSM analysis, the coated particles and multilayer capsule suspensions were preliminary colored with rhodamin C. 

Besides the basic interest in the parameters governing particle interfacial assembly, there is also considerable technological potential associated with the structures formed at liquid-liquid interfaces. For example, nanoparticles could serve as building blocks for capsules and membranes with nanoscopic pores for filtering or encapsulation and for delivery purposes. 

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