Supramolecular polymerization in microfluidic channels: spatial control over multiple intermolecular interactions

Abstract

A novel supramolecular assembly has been developed in conjugation with microfluidics. Self-assembly of the programmed molecules was controlled precisely, in space and time, in a microflow channel as a result of a homogeneous solvent mixing process. Furthermore, through continuous organization of component molecules followed by orientation along microflow, the self-assembling event containing different molecules was spatially controlled from nano to micrometer scale in a single stream (GMP=guanosine 5'-monophosphate).

Keywords: microfluidics; non-equilibrium; pathway control; self-assembly; supramolecular chemistry.