# From Monomers to Nanocapsules: The Role of Structural Features in Amino-Acid-Derived BTA Self-Assembly

## TL;DR

This paper explores how small changes in the structure of amino-acid-based molecules affect their self-assembly into different shapes like nanocapsules.

## Contribution

The study reveals how specific structural features control the formation of supramolecular assemblies from amino-acid-derived BTAs.

## Key findings

- Structural changes in BTA derivatives lead to different aggregation outcomes like monomers, oligomers, and nanocapsules.
- Linker flexibility and steric hindrance significantly influence self-assembly behavior.
- The central core's nature (aromatic vs aliphatic) affects the morphology of the assemblies.

## Abstract

The morphology of
supramolecular assemblies can be profoundly influenced
by even subtle changes in the molecular structure. In this study,
we investigate how variations in amino acid-functionalized benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide
(BTA) derivatives affect their self-assembly behavior in nonpolar
solvents. Specifically, we examine the roles of linker flexibility,
steric hindrance introduced by bulky substituents at the 2,4,6-positions,
and the nature of the central core (aromatic vs aliphatic). Our results
show that these structural changes lead to strikingly different aggregation
outcomes, ranging from monomeric species and ill-defined oligomers
to well-defined nanocapsules. These findings highlight the importance
of precise molecular design in controlling supramolecular self-assembly
and demonstrate how specific structural factors dictate the morphology
and properties of the resulting materials.