The natural world is filled with intricate biological structures that come together through processes of self-assembly. Scientists are interested in understanding these processes to advance technologies in various fields such as computer science, materials science, and medical diagnostics. Arizona State University Assistant Professor Petr Sulc and his team have made progress in replicating nature’s self-assembly processes by creating a tiny crystal known as a “pyrochlore” with unique optical properties. They developed a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process to ensure the molecules come together in the right arrangement.
The creation of the pyrochlore crystal opens the path to building sophisticated, self-assembling devices at the nanoscale. These devices, roughly the size of a single virus, could potentially function as optical metamaterials, allowing for the production of optical computers and more sensitive detectors for various applications. This research was conducted by Sulc at the Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, the School of Molecular Sciences, and the Center for Biological Physics at Arizona State University, and the findings were published in the journal Science.
Biological systems, such as bacteria and viruses, can construct complex nanostructures and nanomachines through self-assembly, despite the chaotic and random movements of individual building blocks. These structures are formed from biomolecules that interact in specific ways to create functional nanostructures within or on the cell’s surface. The study of self-assembly has led to the development of techniques in bionanotechnology, such as DNA bionanotechnology, where artificially synthesized DNA is used as a building block to create nanostructures with various applications in diagnostics and therapy.
Molecule interactions must be carefully engineered to form specific nanostructures, as unexpected structures often form due to kinetic traps caused by unpredictable particle collisions and interactions. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed new statistical methods to simulate the self-assembly process of nanostructures. By simulating the process with different levels of precision, researchers can identify and overcome kinetic traps, ensuring that components assemble correctly into the intended structure. This computational framework will guide the creation of more complex materials and nanodevices with intricate functions for potential applications in diagnostics and treatment.
The development of sophisticated simulation methods for self-assembly processes is a significant advancement in the field of bionanotechnology. By combining computer simulations with varying levels of accuracy, researchers can fine-tune molecular interactions to ensure the proper assembly of nanostructures. This research was conducted in collaboration with researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Columbia University in New York, and it offers promising possibilities for the future of nanotechnology and materials science. The potential applications of self-assembled nanodevices in various fields underscore the importance of understanding and replicating nature’s processes of self-assembly.