Multi-responsive self-assembly of polymeric-like building blocks nC12C6C12(Me)@n?-CD: Vesicles, nanotubes and sheet crystal

Surfactant@cyclodextrin (CD) inclusions regarded as specific building blocks can form a single unit with a 1:1 ratio through host-guest interaction, and self-assemble into various nanostructures in aqueous solution. In this study, a polymeric-like building block, nC12C6C12(Me)@n & gamma;-CD, is constructed by assembling e surfactant and & gamma;-CD. This building block can assemble into well-defined nanostructures such as vesicles, nanotubes, and sheets in different concentrations. Due to the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions to be the driving force of nC12C6C12(Me)@n & gamma;-CD aggregates formation, the morphologies among vesicles, nanotubes, and sheets could be reversibly transformed by multiple stimulus such as temperature, solvent additives, and ions.

Automated summary

A polymeric-like building block, nC12C6C12(Me)@n & gamma;-CD, was constructed and showed the ability to self-assemble into various nanostructures that can be reversibly transformed by multiple stimuli.