Patra Research Lab 

Macromolecular self-assembly (MSA) refers to an assembly of macroscale scaffolds/ building blocks through multivalent interactions to form ordered structures by minimization of interfacial free energy. MSA has particularly found scientific interest owing to its vast potential to fabricate functional materials and emulate natural processes. Various external forces like mechanical forces, magnetic field have been used to assemble the building blocks. However, dynamic and spontaneous macroscopic supramolecular assembly of building blocks into advanced ordered structures is desirable to minimize human intervention. For that matter, exploring non-covalent forces based on molecular recognition provide a promising tool. Our team focuses on functionalizing macroscopic objects by growing multilayer films and further observing their assembly with or without the intervention of external factors.