LAUSR

Abstract Self-assembling structures of amphiphilic BHPB-n gelator molecules are studied theoretically using a hierarchical approach involving both all-atomic computer modelling and analytical consideration at the mesoscopic length-scale (based on statistical mechanics of chain molecules and phenomenological models). We identify the main factors governing the thermodynamic stability of different self-assembling structures and their geometric parameters. The physical mechanisms leading to spontaneous chirality (parity breaking in systems of achiral molecules) and curvature of the aggregated membrane structures are elucidated. The regions of stability of both monolayer and bilayer self-assembling membranes giving rise to high-aspect ratio morphologies including flat and helical ribbons, tubules and nanotubes are outlined and discussed.