Molecular Programming at the Higher Hierarchical Levels of Synthetic Assemblies

The study of dynamic and adaptive molecular assemblies has entered an era that demands increased structural and dynamic control. Command over molecular organization at all hierarchical levels for the modulation of higher-order structures in supramolecular systems remains a formidable task. In this context, a surface-catalyzed secondary nucleation process, which plays an important role in the autocatalytic generation of amyloid fibrils, offers exciting possibilities for topology control in synthetic systems by introducing secondary growth pathways. However, mechanistic insights into the molecular determinants and driving forces for the secondary nucleation event in synthetic systems are not yet realized. I will be discussing our recent attempts to use the surface-catalyzed secondary nucleation process to modulate the topology of supramolecular polymers.