Nano-to-Macroscale Poly (methyl methacrylate) Stereocomplex Assemblies

摘要

Nature has a specific and predefined approach to the assembly of natural macromolecules that render functionality, uniqueness, and form to all living matter. An elegant example is the helix, which is the native form of DNA and some protein sequences. Some synthetic polymers have also been found to adopt single-strand helical conformations; poly(iso-cyanates), poly(triphenylmethyl methacrylates), and poly-(acetylenes) are well-known examples. Perhaps the most interesting synthetic helix is the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) stereocomplex, which is a triple-stranded helical supramolecule. Multiple-strand artificial helices are rare, which is understandable if one considers that no specific interactions, such as π-π stacking or hydrogen bonding, are used to induce helix formation.