Nanoarchitectonics beyond Self-Assembly: Challenges to Create Bio-Like Hierarchic Organization

Incorporation of non-equilibrium actions in the sequence of self-assembly processes would be an effective means to establish bio-like high functionality hierarchical assemblies. As a novel methodology beyond self-assembly, nanoarchitectonics, which has as its aim the fabrication of functional materials systems from nanoscopic units through the methodological fusion of nanotechnology with other scientific disciplines including organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, microfabrication, and bio-process, has been applied to this strategy. The application of non-equilibrium factors to conventional self-assembly processes is discussed on the basis of examples of directed assembly, Langmuir-Blodgett assembly, and layer-by-layer assembly. In particular, examples of the fabrication of hierarchical functional structures using bio-active components such as proteins or by the combination of bio-components and two-dimensional nanomaterials, are described. Methodologies described in this review article highlight possible approaches using the nanoarchitectonics concept beyond self-assembly for creation of bio-like higher functionalities and hierarchical structural organization.

Don't Forget Langmuir-Blodgett Films 2020: Interfacial Nanoarchitectonics with Molecules, Materials, and Living Objects

Designing interfacial structures with nanoscale (or molecular) components is one of the important tasks in the nanoarchitectonics concept. In particular, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method can become a promising and powerful strategy in interfacial nanoarchitectonics. From this viewpoint, the status of LB films in 2020 will be discussed in this feature article. After one section on the basics of interfacial nanoarchitectonics with the LB technique, various recent research examples of LB films are introduced according to classifications of (i) growing research, (ii) emerging research, and (iii) future research. In recent LB research, various materials other than traditional lipids and typical amphiphiles can be used as film components of the LB techniques. Two-dimensional materials, supramolecular structures such as metal organic frameworks, and biomaterials such as DNA origami pieces are capable of working as functional components in the LB assemblies. Possible working areas of the LB methods would cover emerging demands, including energy, environmental, and biomedical applications with a wide range of functional materials. In addition, forefront research such as molecular manipulation and cell fate control is conducted in LB-related interfacial science. The LB technique is a traditional and well-develop methodology for molecular films with a ca. 100 year history. However, there is plenty of room at the interfaces, as shown in LB research examples described in this feature article. It is hoped that the continuous development of the science and technology of the LB method make this technique an unforgettable methodology.

Elucidation of the Origin of Thixotropic-Inducing Properties of Additive Amphiphiles and the Creation of a High-Performance Triamide Amphiphile

The spontaneous growth of helical fibers of amphiphilic diamide derivatives containing hydrocarbons with asymmetric carbon centers in their constituent hydrocarbons was investigated. 12-Hydroxystearic acid and a gemini-type surfactant obtained by the bimolecular condensation of this compound with hexamethylenediamine both impart thixotropic ability to a solvent. Although this thixotropic behavior is based on the growth of hierarchical crystalline nanofibers in the solvents, the degree of fiber growth itself was not the origin of the thixotropy. In this study, it has adopted the methods of the Langmuir monolayer and Langmuir-Blodgett films as technique to selectively and individually evaluate the behavior of 12-hydroxyl stearyl and/or stearyl chains themselves. The ability to impart thixotropy to the solvent via fiber organization was related to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the added amphiphiles. Additionally, homogeneous right-handed helical fibers were formed in the spin-cast films of the diamide derivatives, and a positive Cotton effect was observed in their circular dichroism spectra. It is suggested that fibers that do not form helical arrangements cannot impart sufficient thixotropy to the solvent even when extensive fiber growth is achieved, and the structure-dependent development of chirality is the driving force. In addition, to further the development of highly functional thixotropic agents, a trefoil-like triamide derivative containing three chains was synthesized. By using this molecule, solvent gelation occurred at 78% as an addition to the diamide case, and a supramolecular assembly was formed in the corresponding two-dimensional film.

Nanoarchitectonic-Based Material Platforms for Environmental and Bioprocessing Applications

The challenges of pollution, environmental science, and energy consumption have become global issues of broad societal importance. In order to address these challenges, novel functional systems and advanced materials are needed to achieve high efficiency, low emission, and environmentally friendly performance. A promising approach involves nanostructure-level controls of functional material design through a novel concept, nanoarchitectonics. In this account article, we summarize nanoarchitectonic approaches to create nanoscale platform structures that are potentially useful for environmentally green and bioprocessing applications. The introduced platforms are roughly classified into (i) membrane platforms and (ii) nanostructured platforms. The examples are discussed together with the relevant chemical processes, environmental sensing, bio-related interaction analyses, materials for environmental remediation, non-precious metal catalysts, and facile separation for biomedical uses.