Self-assembled molecules applications

A good understanding of the electron transport properties through self-assembled molecules is necessary before any device applications, however such transport... 

Self-assembling molecules may form a variety of structures. These structures are widely studied, both for academic and application reasons. In Section 11.9, we address a few applications in the areas of bio(nano)technology and biomedicine. 

The most commonly used amphiphiles to build L-B hlms for tribological applications are the straight chain hydrocarbon compounds with simple functional groups such as the fatty acids, including stearic acids, arachidic acids, and behenic acids [32], but other amphiphilic molecules, e.g., 2,4-heneicosanedione and 2-docosylamina-5-nitropyridine, are also applied in some cases. There are two major systems of self-assembled monolayers, namely the alkylsilance derivatives (e.g., OTS, octadecyltrichlorosilane) on hydroxylated surfaces and the alkanethiols on metal substrates, which have been investigated extensively to examine their properties as solid lubricants and protective surface films [31 ]. 

Development of methodologies for protein self-assembly into a predesigned three-dimensional protein lattice carries potential for the construction of protein scaffolds, offering potential applications such as platforms for the ordered positioning of other proteins via protein fusion or of organic molecules by specific binding. 

The lipid molecule is the main constituent of biological cell membranes. In aqueous solutions amphiphilic lipid molecules form self-assembled structures such as bilayer vesicles, inverse hexagonal and multi-lamellar patterns, and so on. Among these lipid assemblies, construction of the lipid bilayer on a solid substrate has long attracted much attention due to the many possibilities it presents for scientific and practical applications [4]. Use of an artificial lipid bilayer often gives insight into important aspects ofbiological cell membranes [5-7]. The wealth of functionality of this artificial structure is the result of its own chemical and physical properties, for example, two-dimensional fluidity, bio-compatibility, elasticity, and rich chemical composition. 

DD can be monitored by a variety of experimental techniques. They involve thermodynamic, dilatometric, and spectroscopic procedures. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations also become applicable to self-assembled systems to some extent see the review in Ref. 2. Spectroscopic methods provide us with molecular parameters, as compared with thermodynamic ones on the macroscopic level. The fluorescence probing method is very sensitive (pM to nM M = moldm ) and informs us of the molecular environment around the probes. However, fluorescent molecules are a kind of drug and the membrane... 

The unique power of synthesis is the ability to create new molecules and materials with valuable properties. This capacity can be used to interact with the natural world, as in the treatment of disease or the production of food, but it can also produce compounds and materials beyond the capacity of living systems. Our present world uses vast amounts of synthetic polymers, mainly derived from petroleum by synthesis. The development of nanotechnology, which envisions the application of properties at the molecular level to catalysis, energy transfer, and information management has focused attention on multimolecular arrays and systems capable of self-assembly. We can expect that in the future synthesis will bring into existence new substances with unique properties that will have impacts as profound as those resulting from syntheses of therapeutics and polymeric materials. 

Recent advances in nanotechnology have shown that self-assembled cage structures of nanometer dimensions can be used as constrained environments for the encapsulation of guest molecules with potential applications in drug delivery,... 

Molecular dynamics simulations are capable of addressing the self-assembly process at a rudimentary, but often impressive, level. These calculations can be used to study the secondary structure (and some tertiary structure) of large complex molecules. Present computers and codes can handle massive calculations but cannot eliminate concerns that boundary conditions may affect the result. Eventually, continued improvements in computer hardware will provide this added capacity in serial computers development of parallel computer codes is likely to accomplish the goal more quickly. In addition, the development of realistic, time-efficient potentials will accelerate the useful application of dynamic simulation to the self-assembly process. In addition, principles are needed to guide the selec-... 

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