Dissipative self-assembly

Abstract

Self-assembled systems formed of micelles or vesicles have frequently been discussed as model systems for self-healing materials because their structure is dictated by thermodynamics and hence they quickly restore upon perturbation. In this aspect, they mimic many natural systems such as biological cells. However, in contrast to most synthetic self-assembling systems the natural systems are not equilibrium processes. Attention is therefore now focusing on dissipative selfassembling systems where energy input is required to sustain the self-assembled state. These systems have the potential to adapt themselves and enter into different self-assembled states depending on the rates of environmental reactions whereas their equilibrium counterparts can only assemble or disassemble depending on the environmental equilibrium condition. Recently, we have constructed some dissipative self-assembling systems using chemical fuels and presently more examples are being worked on. During this presentation some important aspects of these systems will be discussed in relation to their capabilities of being self-healing.