Research

The SASSYPOL (hierarchical Self ASSemblY of POLymeric soft systems) ITN aims to train the next generation of European scientists with the skills necessary to develop new strategies for the preparation of hierarchically self-assembled polymeric soft systems, which greatly impact important fields such as biomedicine, energy, composite materials, sensing and high-throughput technologies.

The major objectives of research and training within the SASSYPOL ITN encompass the following:

  • To develop a toolbox of supramolecular interactions for the manipulation of soft matter across many size domains extending from nano to micro scale
  • To identify and develop novel applications of supramolecular materials in a wide range of fields including biomedical devices, cell manipulation, microfluidics, catalysis, and water and gas purification
  • To gain a deeper understanding of the factors that control self assembly of functional materials through iterative cycles of modelling, synthesis and detailed characterisation

Training:

  • To train the next generation of supramolecular scientist in the design and synthesis of functional polymeric materials using the tools of self assembly
  • To offer training in computational modelling of hierarchically ordered molecular systems
  • To offer extensive training in state-of-the-art analytical methods for the characterisation of supramolecular polymeric systems including: ITC, novel NMR spectroscopic techniques, thermal characterisation, optical microscopy, mechanical analysis, and a variety of scattering techniques
  • To provide the young researchers with in-depth training in the scientific background of this ITN: five network-wide training modules (TM) and one summer school will complement local training of the host institutions with participation of experts outside the network
  • To develop the young researchers’ complementary skills extending beyond research management to include personal transferable skills; this ITN will offer specifically designed local and network-wide training in the selected topics.

Objectives of the research programme

Molecular self-assembly is the spontaneous, reversible formation of structured aggregates through interaction of well-designed molecular components. Over the last two decades, self-assembly has gradually become one of the most important remaining frontiers in chemistry, an area that simultaneously holds the greatest promise for fundamental leaps in knowledge, and provides the greatest challenge for chemists to invent the building blocks to match the complexity and versatility of natural self-assembled systems. Pushing self-assembly to its limits will bring improved functionality to polymeric materials, whether the functionality is structural, mechanical, or dynamic. Self -assembly will play a pivotal role in developing advanced materials such as hydrogels, nanoporous membranes, soft actuators and novel materials with self -healing and self-diagnostic properties.
The uniqueness of this research derives from the judicious selection of instruments and targets within the selected theme. The choice of instruments encompasses several strong and highly selective structure forming elements, and includes:

  • Quadruple hydrogen bonding motifs pioneered by Rint Sijbesma (TU/e) and David Leigh (University of Manchester), and implemented by SUPRAPOLIX.
  • Cucurbit[n]uril and calixarene host-guest interactions, which bring high and selective binding into aqueous environments.
  • Liquid crystalline interactions providing a strong driving force for the organisation of soft matter

The research targets will provide advances in some of the key areas of high topical interest, such as:

  • Hydrogels, which may find use in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.
  • Nanoporous membranes.
  • Soft responsive materials for microfluidic applications.
  • Interface adhesion, self-healing and polymer compatibilisation.