Formation of Chiral, Three-Dimensional Aggregates by Self-Assembly of Helical Components

This work describes the self-assembly of millimeter-sized helical components fabricated by replica molding from sections of drill bits and bolts into 3D aggregates via capillary forces. The components form aggregates of different geometry: components derived from drill bits formed regular helices, and those derived from bolts formed irregular warped sheets. Enantioselective interactions between components derived from drill bits resulted in the formation of aggregates with complex structures, including enantiomerically pure helices, aggregates with multiple helical segments, and chiral aggregates formed from achiral components, i.e., spheres.