Supramolecular assembly polymer chain conformation

Earlier studies of supramolecular order of mesogenic sidechains chemically linked to coiling polymers threw light on the way the conformation of the flexible chain adapts to the order of the sidechains [32]. Neutron scattering revealed a microsegregation of the polymer in interlayers within the smectic layers of the sidechains, with specific interlayer defects. The problem is relevant also to cases in which mesogenic sidechains are noncovalently linked to a flexible chain. This class of systems has been reviewed by Imrie [33] and by Kato and Frechet [34] (cf. also this volume. Chapter 4). In the TMV assembly schematized in Fig. 6D, the polymer (RNA) and the tapered protein units are also connected via supramolecular interactions. 

The title that was ultimately chosen allowed for the inclusion of polymers conforming to the preceding definition and also the new class of supramolecular polymers that may be stabilized by covalent bonds but nevertheless exhibit novel supramolecular features. The latter class (Part III) is exemplified by covalent chains based on 2-concatenane units, dendrimers, monolayers, and some engineered assemblies (Part IV). 

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