Elucidation of driving forces and limitations on the self-assembly of polysaccharide nanocrystals into 3D structures with long-rang order

This project aims to create one, two and three dimensional materials through self-assembly of rodlike cellulose and platelet-like starch with a variety of surface functionalities. These surface functionalities will be introduced both as structure directing groups and to influence the chemistry and applications of the final materials. The project builds on the previous experience of the applicant in the field of surface modification of these nanocrystals with successful incorporation of a variety of charged functionalities, fluorescence and redox active species. By controlling the density and location of various functionalities to specific faces of the modified nanocrystals this project aims to control the self assembly of these modified nanocrystals both with each other and with other species (such as metal nanoparticles). The fundamental interactions involved in the assembly of these species will be studied to develop better understanding of the processes involved. The innovative materials designed during this project along with the fundamental understanding developed from studies of the self assembly process will spur advances in the field of intelligent materials design.