Tuning the Amphiphilicity of Building Blocks: Controlled Self-Assembly and Disassembly for Functional Supramolecular Materials

Amphiphilicity is one of the molecular bases for self-assembly. By tuning the amphiphilicity of building blocks, controllable self-assembly can be realized. This article reviews different routes for tuning amphiphilicity and discusses different possibilities for self-assembly and disassembly in a controlled manner. In general, this includes irreversible and reversible routes. The irreversible routes concern irreversible reactions taking place on the building blocks and changing their molecular amphiphilicity. The building blocks are then able to self-assemble to form different supramolecular structures, but cannot remain stable upon loss of amphiphilicity. Compared to the irreversible routes, the reversible routes are more attractive due to the good control over the assembly and disassembly of the supramolecular structure formed via tuning of the amphiphilicity. These routes involve reversible chemical reactions and supramolecular approaches, and different external stimuli can be used to trigger reversible changes of amphiphilicity, including light, redox, pH, and enzymes. It is anticipated that this line of research can lead to the fabrication of new functional supramolecular assemblies and materials.