Episode 19: Controlling shape selection and nanostructure in chiral assemblies

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Monica Olvera de la Cruz of Northwestern University and her colleagues who gained insight into biochirality. By analyzing self-assembly for a series of amphiphiles, Cn-K, consisting of an ionizable amino acid [lysine (K)] coupled to alkyl tails with n = 12, 14, or 16 carbons, the researchers found the degree of ionization is what controls the shape. They incorporate this phenomenon into a membrane energetics model. Furthermore, their experimental techniques show that the nanoscale structure of the chiral assemblies can be continuously controlled by solution ionic conditions. The model moves researchers one step closer to building entire cells in the laboratory and could lead to the development of nanotechnology such as drug delivery and electronics. This research is published in a recent issue of ACS Central Science (https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.2c00447).