Bottom-up, hierarchical, self-assembly of molecular building blocks is inspired by Nature and comprises a key element in functional material design for various applications. A constantly expanding library of available molecules is being produced, rendering them very attractive precursors for complex self-assembled structures. By simply changing their molecular parameters, functional groups and/or external environment, one can obtain simple 0D, 1D and 2D structures, such as spheres, rods or platelets, which are further transformed into higher ordered morphologies and superstructures. The process is governed by the molecular interactions (van der Waals, hydrophobic, electrostatic, etc.,) which can further be tuned under the action of external stimuli. Significant progress has been achieved in non-trivial synthetic routes to obtain these building blocks and in the understanding of novel hierarchical self-assembly phenomena, pushing forward the frontiers of the field.

Advances in the areas of nano- and bio-technology demand for the development of complex structures and materials that would resemble living systems. Herein we will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of the self-assembly behavior of organic and polymeric materials, which present unique characteristics enabling the access to a wealth of superstructures and advanced materials with tunable properties (i.e. shape, size, surface characteristics, etc). Progress in this rapidly expanding field can lead to the development of dynamic constructs for potential use in a wide range of applications such as self-healing materials, medicine, sensors and actuators, energy and the environment. This Research Topic aims to highlight the recent advances in the development of novel building blocks, the hierarchical and reversible assembly and disassembly properties of the generated systems, together with advanced characterization methods to investigate the structure and dynamics of the assemblies. Potential applications of the self-assembled systems in different fields will be also addressed.

We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Design, synthesis and characterization of self-assembly behavior of novel organic and polymeric compounds
• Studies on the hierarchical and reversible assembly and disassembly properties of novel systems
• Studies of polymer assembly in solution, in the bulk and on surfaces
• Development of novel stimuli-responsive nanostructures and polymer composites with tailored characteristics through self-assembly
• Advanced characterization methods for structure and dynamics elucidation of self-assembled systems
• Investigations of biological assemblies

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Frontiers in Chemistry

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