Molecular matchmaking

摘要

Structures up to centimetres long have been created by the self-assembly of gel particles that 'recognize' each other at the molecular level. Such molecular recognition has previously been used to self-assemble molecules at the microscopic scale. Akira Harada of OsakarnUniversity in Japan and his colleagues prepared acrylamide-based 'host' gels bearing cyclodextrin rings, and other gels with smaller guest' hydrocarbons.