Molecular self-assembly, the process by which molecules adopt a defined arrangement without guidance or management, is crucial to the function of cells. It is exhibited in lipids forming membranes, the formation of double helical DNA, and the assembly of proteins to form quaternary structures. Because they occur in nature, it is believed that self-assembled molecules are more compatible in biosystems than other systems-thus self-assembly continues to be a hot technique in nanobiotechnology.

This book describes techniques of synthesis and self-assembly of macromolecules for developing new materials and improving functionality of existing ones.  Because self-assembly emulates how nature creates complex systems, they likely have the best chance at succeeding in real-world biomedical applications.

A valuable and comprehensive resource for researchers and graduate students, Macromolecular Self-Assembly offers readers benefits that include:

¿          Use of synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science principles and techniques
¿          Emphasis on self-assembly in solutions (particularly, aqueous solutions) and at solid-liquid interfaces
¿          Description of polymer assembly driven by multitude interactions, including solvophobic, electrostatic, and obligatory co-assembly
¿          Illustration of the assembly of bio-hybrid macromolecules and applications in biomedical engineering