Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In a 2011 laboratory demonstration, researchers used light to disrupt self-assembled nanotubes made from a synthetic photoresponsive molecule. Adding the phospholipid DOPC produced longer tubes capped with vesicles; irradiation then altered the molecule’s shape and destabilized the nanotube assembly. The result showed a way to control a complex nanoscale structure, not a proven drug-delivery product.
What are vesicle-capped nanotubes?
Anthony C. Coleman and colleagues at the University of Groningen built the structures from a synthetic amphiphile: a molecule with water-attracting and water-avoiding parts. Its light-responsive component is an overcrowded-alkene unit. In water, the amphiphiles self-assemble into bilayer structures that form nanotubes. These were molecular assemblies, not commercial carbon nanotubes. The primary paper appeared in Nature Nanotechnology on 14 August 2011, in volume 6, pages 547–552.
To make longer structures, the researchers mixed the amphiphile with DOPC, a phospholipid. The two components separated into distinct domains: the amphiphile formed the tube, while DOPC formed vesicles at its ends. At the reported 2:1 amphiphile-to-DOPC ratio, the tubes were about 10 μm long and 28 nm wide, with a wall about 3 nm thick. These dimensions describe that experiment and formulation, not a general specification for capped nanotubes. Coleman et al.
How can light disassemble the tubes?
Irradiation drives a photochemical cyclisation in the overcrowded-alkene unit. That reaction changes the molecule’s conformation, disrupting the packing that holds the amphiphiles together in a bilayer. Once that packing is disturbed, the nanotube assembly can no longer remain intact. The primary paper reports observing the light-induced disassembly in real time. The 2011 study describes the molecular mechanism and observation.
#1 Best Overall
Can the caps be removed without breaking the nanotube?
In the reported experiments, DOPC vesicle caps could be removed and reformed while the nanotube remained intact. The caps and tube were separate bilayer structures, which allowed the researchers to manipulate the ends independently under the experimental conditions. This is a laboratory result; it does not show that the operation works in a living system or as a consumer process. The primary paper and Chemistry World’s 15 August 2011 report describe the capped structures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the demonstration establish—and what remains a possibility?
The study established that light can trigger molecular change and disassembly in a purpose-built self-assembled nanotube, and that phospholipid vesicle caps can be manipulated separately under the reported conditions. It did not demonstrate therapeutic delivery, clinical use, or a commercial product. Chemistry World quoted smart-polymers researcher Brent Sumerlin as saying the materials’ adaptability indicated applications in controlled drug delivery and nanoengineering. That was a proposed direction, not a measured application outcome. The report also attributed to Ben Feringa the explanation that the aim was to show how a complex nano-object could be controlled and changed significantly. Chemistry World
Rank #2
Later work explored how phospholipid properties affect cap formation and behavior. A 2016 Chemical Communications study reported that the phase-transition temperature of zwitterionic phospholipids affects phase separation and cap formation. It also found that cationic caps could be loaded into nanotubes by osmosis, while anionic caps were stable under hyper-osmotic conditions. This is related experimental work, not evidence that the 2011 system became a delivery platform. The 2016 study
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
