Dr. van Esch, Jan

Institution

Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands.

 

Link to lab home page

 

Presentation day

Tuesday  10:30 AM

 

TITLE

Out-Of-Equilibrium Biomimetic Systems by Dynamic and Dissipative Self-Assembly

 

Abstract

The self-assembly of small molecules, polymers, proteins, nanoparticles and colloids
under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions has been a powerful approach for the construction of a variety
of structures of nano- to micrometer dimensions, like vesicles, capsules, and nanotubules. Despite these
advances, the permanent nature of these synthetic self-assembled structures does not compare well to the
complex spatiotemporally confined self-assembly processes seen in natural systems, which for instance
allow the dynamic compartmentalization of incompatible processes, responsiveness, and self-healing. It
remains a challenge to develop out-of-equilibrium systems through spatio- and temporal control over selfassembly.
In our research we focus on molecular approaches which allow control over self-assembly processes
through covalent bond formation: (i) the development of dynamic covalent gelators, which allow spatial and
temporal control over self-assembly by use of catalysts,[1,2] and (ii) dissipative self-assembly driven by a
chemical fuel[3]. I will discuss the background of our approaches together with recent results, and will
suggest how dynamic self-assembling systems may lead to the next generation of responsive,
nanostructured and self-healing materials.

 

References:
[1] J. Boekhoven, J.M. Poolman, C. Maity, Feng Li, L. van der Mee, C.B. Minkenberg, E. Mendes, J.H. van
Esch, R. Eelkema; Nature Chemistry (2013) DOI:10.1038/nchem.1617
[2] A.G.L. Olive, N. Hakimin Abdullah, I. Ziemecka, E. Mendes, R. Eelkema, J.H. van Esch, Angew. Chem.
53 (2014), DOI:10.1002/anie.201310776
[3] J. Boekhoven, A.M. Brizard, K.N. Kowlgi, G.J. Koper, R. Eelkema, J.H. van Esch, Angew. Chem. Int.
Ed. 49 (2010) DOI: 10.1002/anie.201001511.

CV