Self-assembled, generally polymerization

The generality of the end-wise depolymerization kinetic model is indicated by the comparison of the observed and predicted time-courses of cold-induced microtubule disassembly (Fig. 3). See Self-Assembly Protein Polymerization... 

Recently, many studies have focused on self-assembled biodegradable nanoparticles for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Nanoparticles fabricated by the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers or hydrophobically modified polymers have been explored as drug carrier systems. In general, these amphiphilic copolymers consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments are capable of forming polymeric structures in aqueous solutions via hydrophobic interactions. These self-assembled nanoparticles are composed of an inner core of hydrophobic moieties and an outer shell of hydrophilic groups [35, 36]. 

Fig. 1 General principle of molecular imprinting. A molecular template (T) is mixed with functional monomers (M) and a cross-linker (CL) resulting in the formation of a self-assembled complex (1). The polymerization of the resulting system produces a rigid structure bearing imprinted sites (2). Finally removal of the template liberates cavities that can specifically recognize and bind the target molecule (3). Adapted with permission from [3]. Copyright 2003 American Chemical Society...

In general, there is a simple picture of the events that occur during oligomerization of natively unstructured protein and peptides unfolded monomers undergo organized self-assembly via several intermediate assemblies on the pathway to fibrils. Many of these intermediates have been characterized and named based on in vitro studies, but there is no defined nomenclature as of yet. The following intermediates have been identified so far in the fibril polymerization process ... 

The main point of this chapter is to show that supramolecular aggregates can play an important role in the early history of the origin of life. The main driving force in all processes we have illustrated is the hydrophobic interaction—this is responsible for the self-assembly of vesicles, for the binding of hydrophobic substances to the vesicle membranes and the corresponding autocatalytic self-reproduction of micelles and vesicles, as well as for the corresponding chemical events of polymerization. Since the hydrophobic forces take place generally spontaneously and with... 

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