Molecular Self-Assembly into One-Dimensional Nanotube Architectures and Exploitation of Their Functions

This review article focuses on the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules into discrete, hollow cylindrical tubular architectures (organic nanotubes). Research on nanotube formation from dumbbell-shaped peptide lipids, 1-O-glucopyranoside and 1-N-glucopyranosylamide lipids, and wedge-shaped bolaamphiphilic glycolipids with carboxylic, amino, or oligoglycine groups at one end has been outlined with their characteristic self-assembly. Finally, recent progress in mass production, dimension control, and novel functions of organic nanotubes are described.