Molecular burdocks: peptides guide self-assembly on the micrometre scale

SEM (scanning electron microscopy) image of the evaporation-induced self-organization of the peptide-silica conjugates (© Freddy Kleitz, Michael Reithofer et al. Chemists demonstrate new approach to self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles Sometimes even small forces can make comparatively big things happen: In a study in "Angewandte Chemie", scientists from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Vienna showed how short peptides can trigger the self-assembly of comparatively large nanoparticles into new structures on the micrometre scale. The peptides attached to the particles' surface set the tone by sticking the particles together like burdocks into specific shapes. The approach could be a basis for the design of novel materials with a broad range of applications, e.g. porous structures as drug-carriers. Molecular self-assembly is a well-known concept in supramolecular chemistry. Disordered molecules spontaneously organise themselves into larger structures through supramolecular interactions between the individual entities. It also works with nanoparticles, and researchers take advantage of certain functional groups attached to the particles to guide the particles' organisation in a certain direction, e.g. as a basis for the design of new materials.