title: Assembling of dense fluorescent supramolecular webs via self-propelled star-shaped aggregates.
abstract: We report a novel mechanism of assembly of dendronized rod molecules into a dense supramolecular fluorescencent web featuring self-propelled mechanistic inward motion of star-shaped aggregates within a solution droplet. We suggest that such a motion (observed in real time) is caused by the self-repulsion of the growing star-shaped nuclei from the liquid-solid-air interface in the course of one-dimensional growth of the anchored arms. An intriguing mechanism discovered here involves microscopic (hundred micrometers) directional motion of the microscopic aggregates driven by one-dimensional molecular assembly, which opens a new venue for guided assembly of dense mesoscopic supramolecular webs. Such assemblies can serve as interesting microfluidic networks, a web of optical switches, and model systems for studying intercellular communication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, USA.
authors.forename: Kirsten L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Genson
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holzmueller
authors.forename: Maryna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ornatska
authors.forename: Yong-Sik
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Myoung-Hwan
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Par
authors.forename: Myongsoo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Vladimir V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Tsukruk