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The field of dynamic and adaptive supramolecular polymers—formed through monomer self-
assembly—has reached a stage where both structural precision and dynamic responsiveness
are essential. Living supramolecular polymerization has emerged as a powerful strategy to
construct well-defined assemblies with controlled dispersity. In parallel, the pursuit of
temporal control via non-equilibrium processes is gaining momentum. However, approaches
to achieve structural and temporal control have largely developed independently, limiting
their convergence in the design of functional materials.
In this talk, I will present our laboratory’s efforts to bridge this divide by drawing inspiration
from biological systems, where structural precision and temporal regulation coexist
seamlessly. We investigate reaction-coupled self-assembly as a unified strategy to enable both
living supramolecular polymerization and dissipative assemblies. Using bioinspired design
principles, our group work on multicomponent organization, compartmentalized self-
assembly, liquid–liquid phase separation, motility, oscillatory behaviors, and the regulation of
self-assembly under dynamic and crowded conditions in synthetic systems.
The presentation will highlight recent examples from our group that showcase how reaction-
coupled supramolecular polymers can expand the structural and functional diversity of
supramolecular materials—bringing them closer to life-like adaptive and soft materials. |