Supramolecular Self-Assembly Inside Living Mammalian Cells

Driven by directional interparticle interactions, e.g., hydrophobic patchy, pi-pi, dipolar, and hydrogen bonding interactions, certain small molecules self-assemble in aqueous solution to form nanofibers (or other nanostructures) and consequently result in hydrogels. Because of their inherent advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and morphological resemblance of extracellular matrix (ECM), supramolecular nanofibers/hydrogels promise applications in cell culture, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Besides the successful incorporation of bioactive molecules in the hydrogelators which perform ECM-like materials outside biological entities, it is also important to evaluate the distribution of the nanofibers in the intracellular environment and to understand their interactions with cellular components.