The stepwise supramolecular organisation of guanosine derivatives

Several supramolecular architectures generated by guanosine derivatives are described. The research started from the fortuitous observation of a lyotropic behavior exhibited by a guanylic nucleotide in water. This observation stimulated extensive research on several natural and lipophilic guanosine derivatives which self-assemble in different architectures (discs, ribbons, helices...), according to their structure and environment. These ordered structures can be used as scaffolds for photo- or electro-active moieties and for the fabrication of molecular electronic devices. (C) 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and John Wiley Sons, Inc.