Supramolecular Nanomaterials Derived from Self-Assembly of Dendritic Building Blocks

The fine-tuned dendrons provide unique supramolecular self-assemblies in various environments such as in water, organic media, and solid-liquid interfaces. They form nanotubes, vesicles, thin films, columns, lamellar nanoribbons depending on the condition of self-assembly process. Unique characteristics of self-assembly of the amide dendrons are described. In addition, elucidation of the structural correlation between the building blocks and the assemblies, stabilization of assembled structure, and transformation of supramolecular assemblies by using external stimuli. Particular emphasis is placed on the formation of cyclodextrin-covered organic nanotubes derived from self-assembly of amide dendrons and their supramolecular transformation. Finally, unique biosensory characteristics of the self-assembled nanotubes will be discussed.