Molecular interactions in amphiphilic assemblies: theoretical perspective

Abstract

In recent experimental studies, a number of morphological features have been revealed on amphiphilic assemblies that need consideration of the molecular chiral structure and the molecular polarity. Molecular chirality and polarity influence the intermolecular energy profile as a function of the distance and orientation between neighboring molecules in the condensed-phase aggregates of mono- and bilayers. After the experimental information is summarized, related microscopic theoretical works are presented. The molecular theory shows that the mesoscopic chiral shape of the condensed phase can be predicted from the molecular chiral structure studying the intermolecular energy profile. The theoretical insights have implications for related biological systems.