Molecular analysis - Self-organization of molecular tennis balls

The assembly of multiple copies of the same simple subunit to higher level architectures leads to complex functions beyond the capabilities of each is olated subunit. The validity of this principle at the molecular level is il lustrated with hydrogen-bonded capsules that developed from a playground fo r fundamental research to the object of materials science. Two identical co pies of a self-complementary monomer are sufficient to implement functions which span from the generation of closed-shell containers with the ability to encapsulate guest molecules to chiral recognition and catalysis. Multipl e copies assemble to hydrogen-bonded polymers containing capsules like bead s on a string which feature more complex properties such as liquid-crystall ine behavior and the formation of fibers with a considerable load carrying capacity.