Instructed-assembly (iAssembly or iA) refers to the formation of ordered superstructures of molecules (e.g., supramolecular polymers) as the consequence of at least one trigger event (e.g., a enzymatic reaction). As a biomimetic process that induces phase/morphology transition, iA has emerging as a powerful approach to form supramolecular polymers for a range of potential biomedical applications, including molecular imaging, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering. This talk introduces the general concept of iA of small building blocks in the context of cells and illustrates how to form supramolecular polymers for applications. By mainly describing the representative examples of supramolecular polymers and its applications in complex environment, such as cells, and providing the perspectives of their future development, we intend to show that, as a multiple step molecular process, iA offers a facile mean to explore the emergent properties of supramolecular polymers and the relevant dynamic molecular processes to control cell fates.

Instructed-assembly to form supramolecular polymers for controlling cell fates

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.