Bolaamphiphilic molecules: Assembly and applications

This review describes the state-of-the-art scientific developments of bolaamphiphilic molecules composed of two hydrophilic headgroups connected by a hydrophobic chain in the middle of the molecule. In contrast to previous review articles, this review focuses on the discussion of the bolaamphiphilic molecules from assembly to applications in various fields. The main principles of the assembly structures of bolaamphiphilic molecules are discussed, both at interfaces, including air/water and liquid/solid, and in solutions. Since different interactions exist among hydrophilic or polar head groups of the molecules, and the complexity of different hydrophobic, van der Waals, pi-pi interactions, etc., between the chains, the assembly structures of the bolaamphiphilic molecules in the solution are more complicated and are therefore discussed in more detail. Finally, current applications for several important structures and assembly mechanisms of the molecules are introduced. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.