Unmasking DNA
Researchers Adam Woolley and Héctor Becerril develop 'DNA shadow nanolithography' using DNA molecules as nanostencils. The technique enables the creation of high-aspect-ratio trenches and nanowires with precise control over dimensions.
Self Assembly
Articles tagged with Self Assembly
Molecules line up to make the tiniest of wires
A team of researchers has created an innovative method for producing tiny conductive nano-wires on silicon chips using self-assembling molecules. The process can produce nano-wires that are 5,000 times longer than they are wide, meeting the need for connecting smaller transistors and electronic components.
Sukhishvili awarded NSF grant for Materials World Network project
Dr. Svetlana Sukhishvili has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to direct the 'Materials World Network' project. The project will collaborate with researchers from Moscow and Stevens Institute of Technology to develop responsive micelles at surfaces.
Using life's building blocks to control nanoparticle assembly
By using synthetic DNA to recognize and bind to complementary DNA on nanoparticles, researchers can control the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into clusters. This technique provides precise control over nanoparticle assembly, enabling the creation of well-organized nanoclusters.
Catching waves: Measuring self-assembly in action
The NIST/NCSU team observed the spontaneous assembly of organosilane molecules into a monolayer film, finding wavelike ordering with an expanded interface. The findings support recent theoretical modeling and have implications for understanding self-propagating chemical reactions and ordering phenomena.
Laying microscale tiles
A team of researchers led by Kyung Byung Yoon found that manually applying microcrystals to a substrate yields superior results compared to self-assembly methods. The manual process allows for denser packing and more regular orientation of microcrystals, making it preferable in the overlapping range of 0.5 to 3 µm.
Rings made of little rods
Researchers at Rice University discovered that gold nanorods can spontaneously self-assemble into ring-shaped structures within seconds. The rings are made of tiny gold rods and form due to the condensation of water droplets onto a solution of the rods in a nonpolar solvent.
Molecular Solomon's knot
Researchers successfully produce a molecular Solomon knot, consisting of two doubly intertwined rings, through careful selection of metal ions and solvents. The study showcases the potential for self-organization in systems with individual molecular components not chemically bound to each other.
Taking nanolithography beyond semiconductors
A new process combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns. This technique allows for complex patterns of functional monolayers, enabling applications beyond semiconductors.
Self-assembling nano-ice discovered at UNL -- Structure resembles DNA
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered self-assembling nano-ice that resembles the DNA double helix structure. The nano-ice formations can be viewed as a self-assembling process, where molecules bond together through weak hydrogen bonds. This discovery could have major implications for scientists studying disease ...
Fossilized liquid assembly: Nanomaterials research tool
Researchers create experimental models of hierarchical topologies by mixing components in a fluid and then 'freezing' them in place. This method allows for the study of self-assembly at the nano-scale, enabling diverse industries to generate new materials with enhanced properties such as super adhesion and low friction.
Polarized particles join toolbox for building unique structures
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created polarized Janus particles that spontaneously self-assemble into clusters with specific shapes and distributions of electric charge. The clusters can exhibit unique properties, such as a flywheel-like shape that can revolve around a polar axle.
Researchers make nanosheets that mimic protein formation
University of Michigan researchers successfully assembled nanoparticles into free-floating sheets using cadmium telluride crystals, a material used in solar cells. The discovery establishes a key connection between proteins and nanoparticles, enabling the development of novel materials for drug delivery, energy, and more.
Oscillating pattern in nanoparticle crystallization
Researchers from Max Planck Institute in Potsdam have discovered an oscillating pattern in nanoparticle crystallization and self-organization. The study shows that these systems can form complex patterns, including concentric circles, through a combination of chemical reactions and diffusion.
No-hands origami: New DNA self-assembly makes more complex structures, more easily
Paul Rothemund's 'scaffolded DNA origami' technique allows for 10-fold more complex shapes, including snowflakes and a map of the Americas, with minimal design expertise required. This approach breaks traditional rules for nanoscale fabrication with DNA, paving the way for potential applications in electronics and self-assembled devices.
Trace the money
Researchers from Max Planck Institute used data from a popular internet game to analyze banknote movements, finding universal scaling laws that govern human travel behavior. These laws provide insight into the statistical rules governing the spread of diseases.
Nanotech discovery could have radical implications
Researchers at Princeton University propose a new mathematical approach to produce desired configurations of nanoparticles by manipulating their interactions. This method could lead to radical implications in industries like telecommunications, computers, and aerospace engineering, as well as our understanding of life.
Self-assembling designer molecules that mimic nature could lead to nano-device advances
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new class of self-assembling designer molecules that mimic nature's system of organizing living tissue. These molecules can be programmed and exhibit a rich phase behavior, making them suitable for applications in batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells.
Duke scientists 'program' DNA molecules to self assemble into patterned nanostructures
Duke researchers successfully programmed DNA molecules to form patterned nanostructures, enabling precise control over molecule location and potential use in sensors, diagnostics, and nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to smaller-scale devices and circuits.
Emory University researchers uncover novel self-assembly of Alzheimer's amyloid fibrils
Emory University researchers have successfully self-assembled Alzheimer's amyloid fibrils into well-defined nanotubes. These nanotubes exhibit unique properties and can be used to build nanotechnological devices, offering new avenues for research and potential applications in fields such as medicine and materials science.
Needle and thread molecules connecting materials in new ways
The researchers in Gibson's lab studied the attractive forces between the rings and rods using x-ray crystallography to understand how they self-assemble into pseudorotaxanes. By connecting molecular entities to polymer chains, the team creates materials with improved properties and low-temperature processing capabilities.
UAF Institute of Arctic Biology researcher featured in Science
UAF Institute of Arctic Biology researcher comments on a Science article about patterned ground, a process of self-organization in nonliving things. The research highlights the emergence of intricate patterns in Alaskan mountain ranges and North Slope, without predicting or natural selection.
Self-assembly technique emulates nature to build designer polymers from modular parts
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a self-assembly technique that mimics natural processes to build designer polymers from modular parts. This method enables the rapid synthesis and modification of complex materials with predictable physical and chemical properties.
Forces active in self-assembly of novel molecules measured
Scientists have measured the constants describing self-assembly in the creation of a supramolecular assembly that can potentially important to the processing of many novel materials. Pseudorotaxanes are chemical compounds containing non-covalent linkages, and researchers have explored their possibilities and applications.
Adaptable nanotubes make way for custom-built structures, wires
Researchers at Purdue University develop self-assembling nanotubes that can be easily manipulated to create custom-built molecular wires and components. The nanotubes, stable under high temperatures, may pave the way for designing new materials and electronic devices.
Molecules with attitude, ready to perform: Functioning nanostructures self-assemble out of ink
Researchers created self-assembling ink that forms nanoscopic pores with external function and internal structure. The new ink can be easily printed from ordinary printers or written by lithographic pens.
Behind the mask
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new patterning technology called Lithographically Induced Self Assembly (LISA), which creates arrays of ultrasmall pillars without the need for a carefully engineered mask. The technique has potential applications in computer memory chips, flat-panel displays, and DNA sorting.
Visions of supermaterials and self-assembly
Breakthroughs in self-assembly and supermaterials could lead to extraordinary applications such as artificial body parts, ultraresistant coatings, and high-definition television screens. Five experts will share their discoveries that could jump-start new marvels in materials technology.
Understanding Molecular Self-Assembly Opens Door For New Sources Of Wood-Like Materials
Researchers have discovered a way to describe how molecules self-assemble into cell-wall-like polymers without requiring biochemistry. This understanding could lead to the production of wood-like materials from other plant-derived molecules, such as straw, and help conserve forests.
Some, Like Russian Dolls, Fit Inside Each Other: Self-Assembled Nanospheres May Be Helpful Against Disease Or Terrorism, Or As Fillers And Coatings
Researchers have created self-assembling nanospheres that can control the release of drugs and have superior characteristics to traditional fillers. These durable silica spheres range in size from 2-50 nanometers and can absorb organic and inorganic substances, making them useful for various applications.
Growing Up On Their Own: Smart Plastics Organize Themselves Into Useful Optical Devices
Researchers have developed a process called hierarchical self-assembly, where hollow spheres stack themselves into larger structures to form photonic crystals. These materials can manipulate light in predictable ways, offering potential applications in optical data storage, telecommunications, and lighting systems.
Wee Objects Dwarf All Previous Self-Assembled Molecules
University of Rochester engineers have developed self-assembly technique to create large, three-dimensional objects. These structures are made up of millions of molecules and can fluoresce, making them well-defined and discrete, with applications in drug delivery and various other fields.
Self-Assembled Inorganic Film Fights Corrosion, Holds Catalysts
Researchers at the University of Illinois have devised a way to modify metal surfaces with self-assembled monolayers of an inorganic compound, called silicotungstate. The resulting films exhibit superior stability and mechanical properties, making them suitable for corrosion inhibition and catalysis.