Supramolecular multiscale fibers through one-dimensional assembly of dendritic molecules

One-dimensional supramolecular structures self-assemble from irregular, highly branched, flexible amphiphiles containing a polyester core and an alkyl- or anthracene-functionalized shell. A combination of intermolecular interactions and steric limitations cause the structures to form nearly perfectly organized microfibers that form bundles from tens of micrometers to centimeters in length (see Figure). The fibers from anthracene-modified molecules possess strong fluorescence properties.