Self-assembly of large and small molecules into hierarchically ordered sacs and membranes.
We report here the self-assembly of macroscopic sacs and membranes at the interface between two aqueous solutions, one containing a megadalton polymer and the other, small self-assembling molecules bearing opposite charge. The resulting structures have a highly ordered architecture in which nanofiber bundles align and reorient by nearly 90 degrees as the membrane grows. The formation of a diffusion barrier upon contact between the two liquids prevents their chaotic mixing. We hypothesize that growth of the membrane is then driven by a dynamic synergy between osmotic pressure of ions and static self-assembly. These robust, self-sealing macroscopic structures offer opportunities in many areas, including the formation of privileged environments for cells, immune barriers, new biological assays, and self-assembly of ordered thick membranes for diverse applications.
Capito
Ramille M
RM
Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Azevedo
Helena S
HS
Velichko
Yuri S
YS
Mata
Alvaro
A
Stupp
Samuel I
SI
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D004058:Diffusion; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D010539:Permeability; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D055672:Static Electricity; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000737:chemistry
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid