Molecular building blocks that self-assemble into discrete organic tubular architectures

Abstract

This review article focuses on the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules into discrete, hollow cylindrical tubular architectures (organic nanotubes). Researches on the nanotube formation from dumbbell-shaped peptide lipids, 1-O-glucopyranoside and l-N-glucopyranosylamide lipids, and wedge-shaped bolaamphiphiles with carboxylic, amino, and oligoglycine groups at one end have been outlined with their characteristic self-assembly. Finally, recent progress on massive production, dimension control, and novel functions of organic nanotubes are described.