Assembly

In living systems, the assembly of molecules through non-covalent interactions underpins biological organization—from molecular recognition to the emergence of membranes, organelles, and cells. This dynamic, reversible organization maintains structure while enabling adaptability, information processing, and autonomous responses to environmental change. Translating these principles into synthetic materials opens the path toward soft matter that is structurally complex, responsive, and potentially life-like.

At the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, we design (macro)molecules and (bio)polymers that assemble into supramolecular architectures with precisely tuned intermolecular forces. These assemblies adopt morphologies ranging from vesicles and fibers to membranes or porous networks, serving as functional building blocks for organic devices, nanocontainers, and synthetic compartments. Through molecular design, we bridge chemical composition and macroscopic function, creating materials with programmable structure–property relationships.

A defining feature of supramolecular materials is their dynamism. Unlike static covalent systems, they reorganize in response to stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, redox potential, ionic strength, or mechanical stress—mimicking living matter through reversible interactions that enable self-healing, transport, and communication. By controlling thermodynamics and kinetics, we aim to create soft materials that respond intelligently to their environment.

Yet challenges remain. Structure formation in complex environments is hard to predict, as competing interactions can cause kinetic traps and local defects. Solvents, especially water, actively drive adaptability through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effects, and electrostatics. Understanding how solvents influence assembly dynamics is crucial for designing lifelike, aqueous systems.

To meet these challenges, we use automation, high-throughput synthesis, advanced characterization, and powerful spectroscopy and microscopy to capture assembly evolution across scales. Coupling these datasets with artificial intelligence enables predictive control over structure and function.

Through these efforts, the vision of matter that learns from, responds to, and interacts with its environment moves closer to reality—making supramolecular assembly a cornerstone for the next generation of adaptive materials.