Self-assembly is a process by which a supramolecular species forms spontaneously from its components. It is one of the most important strategies used in biology for the development of complex, functional structures. Since the groundbreaking work by the Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Lehn on supramolecular chemistry, the concept of self-assembly has gained exploding interest for the development of man-made devices.
This book covers all aspects of molecular self-assembly, from basic principles of self-organization to applications in nanotechnology and medicine. Well-known experts in the field review topics such as self-assembled monolayers and their applications, dynamic molecular and supramolecular polymers (dynamers), nanostructure fabrication using block copolymers, polymer self-assembly for semiconductor development, molecular-engineered stimuli-responsive polymer films, self-organized polymeric nanostructures, and inorganic membranes.
