Freezing-induced self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that freezing aqueous solutions of amphiphilic molecules can induce their self-assembly at sub-zero temperatures, revealing a novel pathway for controlling molecular organization.

Contribution

It introduces a new method of inducing self-assembly through freezing, expanding understanding of amphiphilic behavior under cryogenic conditions.

Findings

Freezing triggers self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules below 0°C.

Real-time SAXS reveals structural changes during freezing.

Self-assembly occurs in aqueous solutions upon freezing.

Abstract

The self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules usually takes place in a liquid phase, near room temperature. Here, using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments performed in real time, we show that freezing of aqueous solutions of copolymer amphiphilic molecules can induce self-assembly below 0{\deg}C.