Self-assembled organic nanotubes: Toward attoliter chemistry

Abstract

Diverse chemical functionalization of the inner and outer surfaces of the nanotubes enables us to sense and visualize the encapsulation and transport behavior of biomacromolecular guests. The event occurs specifically in attoliter volume nanospace inside the hollow cylinder of the nanotubes. Comparison of the organic nanotube history with that of well-known carbon nanotubes and a variety of molecular building blocks as tube-forming compounds were first introduced. Asymmetric organic nanotubes with different inner and outer surfaces were discussed in terms of molecular design, immobilization of functional moieties, and molecular packing. Finally, the practical examples of the organic nanotubes as a nanocontainer, nano-channel, and nanopipette were also described to feature the concept of "attoliter chemistry." © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.