Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 1997 · 200 citations · 19 references
Supramolecular AssemblyEngineeringSmart PolymerMolecular Self-assemblyBiomedical EngineeringChemistryPolymersDynamic BehaviorPolymer ChemistryBiophysicsMicro-encapsulationPolymeric CapsulesSupramolecular PolymerHybrid CapsulesBiomolecular EngineeringHost-guest ChemistryNatural SciencesSelf-assemblyPolymer SciencePolymer Self-assembly
Described are assemblies consisting of polymeric capsules, "polycaps," formed from two calix[4]arene tetraureas covalently connected at their lower rims. In these structures self-assembly leads to reversibly formed capsule sites along a chain, reminiscent of beads on a string. Their dynamic behavior is characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy through encapsulation of guest species, reversible polymerization, and the formation of sharply defined hybrid capsules.
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