Figure 1

Figure 2

Control over how molecules pack together in water has many applications. We have developed technology to generate microcapsules, in which drugs can be encapsulated. Our technology allows for control of the aqueous self-assembly of small diamide diacids into microcapsule or microsphere architectures. We hope to harness this unique assembling process to design new drug delivery vehicles. Ref: "Nanoconstruction Using Proton-Induced Phase Transitions: Molecular Self-Recognition by Diamide Diacids in Aqueous Environments" Phanstiel et al, Chem. Mater. 2001, 13, 264-272.

The TEM images (figure 2) of microspheres and microcapsules generated from the following samples and mixtures. Panel A: 100% 5, Panel B: 100% 3, Panel C : 75 mole% 5 and 25 mole% 3, Panel D: 25 mole% 5 and 75 mole% 3, Panel E : 50 mole% 5 and 50 mole% 3.

These results suggest that the microcapsule-forming events require a high degree of molecular fidelity, whereas the microsphere-forming process is more tolerant and can incorporate other molecules.

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Otto Phanstiel
Department of Chemistry
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816