Molecular assembly and encapsulation

Assemblies can emerge whenever more than one copy of a molecule is present and it is frequently difficult to predict what will emerge without experimentation. Multiple copies of complementary molecules can give rise to superstructures with functions that are unique to the assembled states. The weak intermolecular forces that hold assemblies together endow them with dynamic, temporary and even sell-correcting qualities.(1) We give here an account of our recent experiments with minimalistic models for molecular assemblies.