Soft Matter,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
19(5), P. 858 - 881
Published: Jan. 1, 2023
Geometric
frustration
offers
a
pathway
to
soft
matter
self-assembly
with
controllable
finite
sizes.
While
the
understanding
of
in
assembly
derives
almost
exclusively
from
continuum
elastic
descriptions,
current
challenge
is
understand
connection
between
microscopic
physical
properties
misfitting
"building
blocks"
and
emergent
behavior
at
mesoscale.
We
present
analyze
particle-based
description
what
arguably
best
studied
example
for
frustrated
assembly,
negative-curvature
ribbon
observed
both
assemblies
chiral
surfactants
shape-frustrated
nanoparticles.
Based
on
our
particle
model,
known
as
saddle
wedge
monomers,
we
numerically
test
shape
interactions
subunits
supra-particle
scale,
specifically
focussing
propagation
relaxation
inter-particle
strains,
role
extrinsic
ribbons
equilibrium
regime
width
selection.
Beyond
intuitive
misfit,
show
that
self-limitation
critically
dependent
range
cohesive
interactions,
larger
size
requiring
increasing
short-range
interparticle
forces.
Additionally,
demonstrate
non-linearities
arising
discrete
alter
self-limiting
due
strain-softening
shape-flattened
partial
yielding
highly
strained
bonds,
which
turn
may
give
rise
states
hierarchical,
multidomain
assembly.
Tracing
regimes
frustration-limited
specific
features
shapes
provides
necessary
guidance
translating
theory
size-programmable
into
design
intentionally-frustrated
colloidal
particles.
Advanced Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
11(12)
Published: Jan. 15, 2024
Abstract
Biology
remains
the
envy
of
flexible
soft
matter
fabrication
because
it
can
satisfy
multiple
functional
needs
by
organizing
a
small
set
proteins
and
polysaccharides
into
hierarchical
systems
with
controlled
heterogeneity
in
composition
microstructure.
Here,
is
reported
that
controlled,
mild
electronic
inputs
(<10
V;
<20
min)
induce
homogeneous
gelatin‐chitosan
mixture
to
undergo
sorting
bottom‐up
self‐assembly
Janus
film
compositional
gradient
(i.e.,
from
chitosan‐enriched
layer
chitosan/gelatin‐contained
layer)
tunable
dense‐porous
microstructures
(e.g.,
porosity,
pore
size,
ratio
dense
porous
layers).
This
performs
shown
functions
for
guided
bone
regeneration:
integration
microstructural
features
confers
mechanics,
asymmetric
properties
interfacial
wettability,
molecular
transport
(directional
growth
factor
release),
cellular
responses
(prevents
fibroblast
infiltration
but
promotes
osteoblast
differentiation).
Overall,
this
work
demonstrates
versatility
electrofabrication
customized
manufacturing
matter.
ACS Nano,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
18(23), P. 14791 - 14840
Published: May 30, 2024
We
explore
the
potential
of
nanocrystals
(a
term
used
equivalently
to
nanoparticles)
as
building
blocks
for
nanomaterials,
and
current
advances
open
challenges
fundamental
science
developments
applications.
Nanocrystal
assemblies
are
inherently
multiscale,
generation
revolutionary
material
properties
requires
a
precise
understanding
relationship
between
structure
function,
former
being
determined
by
classical
effects
latter
often
quantum
effects.
With
an
emphasis
on
theory
computation,
we
discuss
that
hamper
assembly
strategies
what
extent
nanocrystal
represent
thermodynamic
equilibrium
or
kinetically
trapped
metastable
states.
also
examine
dynamic
optimization
protocols.
Finally,
promising
functions
examples
their
realization
with
assemblies.
Reviews of Modern Physics,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
93(2)
Published: June 11, 2021
Self-assembly
is
a
ubiquitous
process
in
synthetic
and
biological
systems,
broadly
defined
as
the
spontaneous
organization
of
multiple
subunits
(e.g.
macromolecules,
particles)
into
ordered
multi-unit
structures.
The
vast
majority
equilibrium
assembly
processes
give
rise
to
two
states:
one
consisting
dispersed
disassociated
subunits,
other,
bulk-condensed
state
unlimited
size.
This
review
focuses
on
more
specialized
class
self-limiting
assembly,
which
describes
resulting
finite-size
These
systems
pose
generic
basic
question,
how
do
thermodynamic
involving
non-covalent
interactions
between
identical
"measure"
select
size
assembled
structures?
In
this
review,
we
begin
with
an
introduction
statistical
mechanical
framework
for
thermodynamics,
use
highlight
key
physical
ingredients
that
ensure
will
terminate
at
finite
dimensions.
Then,
introduce
examples
classify
them
within
based
broad
categories:
self-closing
assemblies
open-boundary
assemblies.
include
well-known
cases
biology
soft
matter
-
micellization
amphiphiles
shell/tubule
formation
tapered
well
less
widely
known
classes
assemblies,
such
short-range
attractive/long-range
repulsive
geometrically-frustrated
For
each
these
mechanisms,
describe
mechanisms
size,
potential
limitations
selection.
Finally,
discuss
alternative
draw
contrasts
size-control
can
achieve
relative
self-limitation
equilibrium,
single-species
Physical Review Letters,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
132(2)
Published: Jan. 8, 2024
Confinement
can
have
a
considerable
effect
on
the
behavior
of
particle
systems
and
is
therefore
an
effective
way
to
discover
new
phenomena.
A
notable
example
system
identical
bosons
at
low
temperature
under
external
field
mimicking
isotropic
bubble
trap,
which
constrains
particles
portion
space
close
spherical
surface.
Using
path
integral
Monte
Carlo
simulations,
we
examine
spatial
structure
superfluid
fraction
in
two
emblematic
cases.
First,
look
soft-core
bosons,
finding
existence
supersolid
cluster
arrangements
with
polyhedral
symmetry;
show
how
different
numbers
clusters
are
stabilized
depending
trap
radius
mass,
characterize
phases.
detailed
comparison
classical
provided
too.
Then,
case,
more
immediate
experimental
interest,
dipolar
condensate
sphere,
demonstrating
quasi-one-dimensional
formed
great
circle
for
realistic
values
density
interaction
parameters.
Crucially,
this
phase
only
slightly
disturbed
by
gravity.
We
argue
that
predicted
phases
be
revealed
magnetic
traps
spherical-shell
geometry,
possibly
even
lab
Earth.
Our
results
pave
future
simulation
studies
correlated
quantum
curved
geometries.
Physical Review X,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(2)
Published: April 3, 2024
Self-assembly
is
a
fundamental
concept
in
biology
and
of
significant
interest
to
nanotechnology.
Significant
progress
has
been
made
characterizing
controlling
the
properties
resulting
structures,
both
experimentally
theoretically.
However,
much
less
known
about
kinetic
constraints
determinants
dynamical
like
time
efficiency,
although
these
can
become
severe
limiting
factors
self-assembly
processes.
Here,
we
investigate
how
efficiency
other
reversible
depend
on
morphology
(shape)
building
blocks
for
systems
which
binding
energy
between
constituents
large.
As
paradigmatic
examples,
stochastically
simulate
with
triangular,
square,
hexagonal
into
two-dimensional
structures
specified
size.
We
find
that
constituents’
critically
determines
assembly
it
scales
size
target
structure.
Our
analysis
reveals
three
key
structural
parameters
defined
by
morphology:
nucleation
attachment
order,
describe
effective
order
chemical
reactions
clusters
nucleate
grow,
respectively,
growth
exponent,
rate
an
emerging
structure
its
Using
this
characterization,
formulate
theory
kinetics,
show
exhibits
inherent
scale
invariance.
This
allows
us
identify
general
scaling
laws
minimal
as
function
insights
kinetics
processes
be
used
design
schemes
could
significantly
increase
robustness
artificial
Published
American
Physical
Society
2024
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
16(1), P. 443 - 463
Published: March 10, 2025
Nearly
thirty
years
after
its
inception,
the
field
of
DNA-programmed
colloidal
self-assembly
has
begun
to
realize
initial
promise.
In
this
review,
we
summarize
recent
developments
in
designing
effective
interactions
and
understanding
dynamic
pathways
DNA-coated
nanoparticles
microparticles,
as
well
how
these
advances
have
propelled
tremendous
progress
crystal
engineering.
We
also
highlight
exciting
new
directions
showing
that
classes
subunits
combining
with
DNA
origami
can
be
used
engineer
novel
multicomponent
assemblies,
including
structures
self-limiting,
finite
sizes.
conclude
by
providing
an
outlook
on
theoretical
focusing
kinetics
could
usher
materials-design
opportunities,
like
possibility
retrieving
multiple
distinct
target
from
a
single
suspension
or
accessing
materials
are
stabilized
energy
dissipation,
mimicking
living
systems.
Journal of Biological Physics,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
47(1), P. 1 - 29
Published: Feb. 10, 2021
A
large
number
of
infectious
diseases
are
transmitted
by
respiratory
droplets.
How
long
these
droplets
persist
in
the
air,
how
far
they
can
travel,
and
pathogens
might
carry
survive
all
decisive
factors
for
spread
droplet-borne
diseases.
The
subject
is
extremely
multifaceted
its
aspects
range
across
different
disciplines,
yet
most
them
have
only
seldom
been
considered
physics
community.
In
this
review,
we
discuss
physical
principles
that
govern
fate
any
viruses
trapped
inside
them,
with
a
focus
on
role
relative
humidity.
Importantly,
low
humidity-as
encountered,
instance,
indoors
during
winter
aircraft-facilitates
evaporation
keeps
even
initially
suspended
air
as
aerosol
extended
periods
time.
What
more,
humidity
affects
stability
through
several
mechanisms
such
efflorescence
inactivation
at
air-water
interface,
whose
virus
nonetheless
remains
poorly
understood.
Elucidating
droplet
disease
would
permit
us
to
design
preventive
measures
could
aid
reducing
chance
transmission,
particularly
indoor
environment.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
119(43)
Published: Oct. 17, 2022
Self-assembly
is
one
of
the
most
promising
strategies
for
making
functional
materials
at
nanoscale,
yet
new
design
principles
self-limiting
architectures,
rather
than
spatially
unlimited
periodic
lattice
structures,
are
needed.
To
address
this
challenge,
we
explore
tradeoffs
between
addressable
assembly
and
self-closing
a
specific
class
structures:
cylindrical
tubules.
We
make
triangular
subunits
using
DNA
origami
that
have
specific,
valence-limited
interactions
designed
binding
angles,
study
their
into
tubules
self-limited
width
much
larger
size
an
individual
subunit.
In
simplest
case,
assembled
from
single
component
by
geometrically
programming
dihedral
angles
neighboring
subunits.
show
can
reach
many
micrometers
in
length
average
be
prescribed
through
angles.
find
there
distribution
chirality
tubules,
which
rationalize
developing
model
considers
finite
bending
rigidity
structure
as
well
mechanism
self-closure.
Finally,
demonstrate
distributions
further
sculpted
increasing
number
subunit
species,
thereby
complexity,
two
species
successfully
reduces
available
end
states
half.
These
results
help
to
shed
light
on
roles
complexity
geometry
could
extended
other
such
shells,
toroids,
or
triply
frameworks.
PLoS Computational Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
19(5), P. e1010652 - e1010652
Published: May 15, 2023
Liquid
condensate
droplets
with
distinct
compositions
of
proteins
and
nucleic
acids
are
widespread
in
biological
cells.
While
it
is
known
that
such
droplets,
or
compartments,
can
regulate
irreversible
protein
aggregation,
their
effect
on
reversible
self-assembly
remains
largely
unexplored.
In
this
article,
we
use
kinetic
theory
solution
thermodynamics
to
investigate
the
liquid-liquid
phase
separation
structures
well-defined
sizes
architectures.
We
find
that,
when
assembling
subunits
preferentially
partition
into
liquid
robustness
against
traps
maximum
achievable
assembly
rates
be
significantly
increased.
particular,
both
range
conditions
leading
productive
corresponding
increase
by
orders
magnitude.
analyze
rate
equation
predictions
using
simple
scaling
estimates
identify
effects
as
a
function
relevant
control
parameters.
These
results
may
elucidate
processes
underlie
normal
cellular
functions
pathogenesis,
suggest
strategies
for
designing
efficient
bottom-up
nanomaterials
applications.