Research field A: Synthesis and self-assembly

Inspired by nature, soft nanomaterials are prepared in a hierarchical “bottom-up” construction process using synthetic and natural molecular building blocks such as carbohydrates, peptides, lipids, DNA, and polymers.

 

Schematic representation of a DNA double helix with metal-mediated base pairs
Schematic representation of a DNA double helix with metal-mediated base pairs
© J. Müller

Scientific Concept

The precise and at the same time dynamic arrangement of the molecular components in terms of space and time defines the structure and the function of the resulting material.

Within this research field, both established approaches of organic, supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry as well as new, yet to be developed procedures, are applied. Relevant and new synthetic procedures for soft nanomaterials developed within the SoN include:

  •  preparation of novel tailor-made synthetic and biological molecular building blocks,
  • synthesis of 2D materials on surfaces,
  • and integration of bottom-up and top-down fabrication methods to prepare structured surfaces.

Synthesis and Self-assembly Research Topics