Reversible Design of Dynamic Assemblies at Small Scales

Emerging bottom-up fabrication methods have enabled the assembly of synthetic colloids, microrobots, living cells, and organoids to create intricate structures with unique properties that transcend their individual components. Herein, an access point to the latest developments is provided in externally driven assembly of synthetic and biological components. In particular, reversibility is emphasized, which enables the fabrication of multiscale systems that would not be possible under traditional techniques. Magnetic, acoustic, optical, and electric fields are the most promising methods for controlling the reversible assembly of biological and synthetic subunits as they can reprogram their assembly by switching on/off the external field or shaping these fields. Capabilities are featured to dynamically actuate the assembly configuration by modulating the properties of the external stimuli, including frequency and amplitude. The design principles are designed, which enable the assembly of reconfigurable structures. Finally, the high degree of control capabilities offered by externally driven assembly will enable broad access to increasingly robust design principles toward building advanced dynamic intelligent systems is foreseen.

Automated summary

The article introduces the latest developments in externally driven assembly of synthetic and biological components, emphasizing the importance of reversibility in creating multiscale systems. By controlling magnetic, acoustic, optical, and electric fields, the assembly of biological and synthetic subunits can be reprogrammed. The article also highlights the ability to dynamically actuate assembly configurations by modulating the properties of external stimuli, and presents design principles for reconfigurable structures.