Molecular engineering: Networks of nanotubes and containers

We have constructed complex two-dimensional microscopic networks of phospholipid bilayer nanotubes and containers in which we are able to control the connectivity, container size, nanotube length, and angle between the nanotube extensions. Containers within these networks can be chemically differentiated and materials successfully routed between two containers connected by a common nanotube. These networks will enable model systems to be devised for studying confined biochemical reactions, intracellular transport phenomena and chemical computations.