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IRG 1: Specific, Reversible and Programmable Bonding in Supra- and Macromolecular Materials |
Specific, reversible, non-covalent interactions among molecular building blocks are the basis for the development of functional biological structures in nature. In recent years, the introduction of non-covalent interactions into synthetic materials science, through both non-specific interactions such as those leading to hydrophobic self-assembly and specific, reversible bonding, has led to a fundamental reevaluation of materials design. For macromolecular materials, specific, reversible, non-covalent interactions are (i) a means of creating chain connectivity and topology that differs from covalent bonding, and (ii) a strategy for developing energetically favorable, attractive interactions among segments that differ from the generally non-specific van der Waals interactions that govern polymer phase behavior. ‘Specific’ is a key word here, which is used to differentiate interactions from non-specific interactions such as hydrophobic interactions or c parameters based on van der Waals forces. As a result, the term specific implies more than simply attractive and reversible; it implies molecular recognition, directionality, tunability of interaction strength, addressability and programmability of the self-assembly character built into molecules via these interactions. These are powerful characteristics and represent unlimited potential for the development of new materials with tailor-made properties. Designing strategies to harness and control these features represents a significant, multidisciplinary challenge for this proposed IRG. The interdisciplinary projects proposed are exploratory, integrating synthesis, characterization, and simulation. Emphasis is placed upon an investigation and definition of fundamental design parameters for the programmed assembly through specific interactions of 2D and 3D structures in solution, upon substrates, and in bulk materials.
IRG MEMBERS
| Luc Jaeger (Co-leader) |
Chemistry & Biochemistry |
Nucleic acid chemistry |
| Matthew Tirrell (Co-leader) |
Chemical Engineering and Materials |
Polymer surfaces, bioconjugate |
| Glenn Fredrickson |
Chemical Engineeing |
Theory/simulation |
| Craig Hawker |
Materials and Chemistry & Biochemistry |
Synthesis |
| Edward Kramer |
Materials & Chemical Engineering |
Structure/properties |
| Bert Meijer |
Tu Eindhoven |
Moleculary assembly |
| Joan Emma Shea |
Chemistry & Biochemistry |
Theory/simulation |
IRG AFFILIATES
| Andrew Goldsborough |
RNAworks |
Nucleic acid chemistry |
| Cyrus Safinya |
Materials and Physics |
Scattering |
| Helen Hansma |
Physics |
Molecular force measurement |
