Two-Dimensional Polymerizations in Supramolecular Assemblies

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Supramolecular assemblies, e.g. monolayers, vesicles, extended bilayers, cast bilayers, and tubules, are two-dimensional arrays of amphiphiles. The recent introduction of methods to polymerize these assemblies provides a means to prepare new materials with unusual properties. The nature of these two-dimensional polymerizations and the effect of the assembly structure on the polymerization reaction has been poorly understood. However our previous research has provided valuable insights into these polymerization processes. The objective of this research is to enhance our fledgling understanding of the fundamentals of two- dimensional polymerizations. Specifically, this reserch will emphasize the following: a) the factors that control the size of linear polymers formed in homolipid and mixed lipid assemblies; and c) determination of the effect of the frequency of crosslinks in the polymerization of the assemblies on both the rate of lateral lipid diffusion, and the appearance of domains in two-dimensions. These data, to be determined primarily for extended bilayer and vesicle assemblies, are expected to provide a basis to evaluate how two-dimensional polymerizations parallel or deviate from the established principles of isotropic polymerizations. This research combines synthetic chemistry, instrumental characterization, and surface science. It is expected to provide a rational foundation for the use of two-dimensional polymerizations for the formation of new materials, such as membranes.