Self-assembly enables hierarchical organization and compartmentalization of matter previously observed only in natural materials. Simple chemical motifs can be used to fabricate structures with diverse range of architectures and properties. The design principles, originally found in nature, are being implemented in self-assembled materials. The examples include high mechanical strength of bones and nacre achieved through hierarchical organic–inorganic organization, and DNA nanotechnology enabled by complementary bonding of DNA molecules. Building materials with controlled architectures from the nanoscale to the macroscale will lead to a combination of properties that will have significant impacts on fields ranging from tissue regeneration to optoelectronics.

自组装可以实现以前仅在天然材料中观察到的物质的分层组织和分隔。简单的化学基序可用于制造具有各种结构和特性的结构。自然界中最初发现的设计原则正在以自组装材料实现。例子包括骨骼和珍珠层通过分层的有机-无机组织获得的高机械强度，以及通过DNA分子的互补键合实现的DNA纳米技术。具有从纳米级到宏观级的受控体系结构的建筑材料将导致各种特性的组合，这些特性将对从组织再生到光电领域的各个领域产生重大影响。