A study published in Nature in 2012 describes the creation of colloidal particles with valence and specific directional bonding, enabling the assembly of complex structures. The researchers developed "colloidal atoms" with chemically functionalized patches that can form highly directional bonds, mimicking atomic orbitals such as sp, sp², sp³, sp³d, sp³d², and sp³d³. These particles can self-assemble into "colloidal molecules" with various bonding symmetries, including triangular, tetrahedral, and others. The interactions between patches are programmable, specific, and reversible, allowing for the controlled assembly of colloidal structures. The slow dynamics of colloidal systems enable direct observation of molecule formation using optical microscopy. The study demonstrates the potential for assembling a wide range of new micro-structured materials using these colloidal atoms. The method involves creating patchy particles with different numbers of patches and symmetries, functionalizing them with DNA, and using DNA-mediated interactions to control self-assembly. The research highlights the importance of controlling patch size and functionality to achieve desired structures and interactions. The study also discusses the potential applications of these colloidal particles in creating new materials with tailored properties.A study published in Nature in 2012 describes the creation of colloidal particles with valence and specific directional bonding, enabling the assembly of complex structures. The researchers developed "colloidal atoms" with chemically functionalized patches that can form highly directional bonds, mimicking atomic orbitals such as sp, sp², sp³, sp³d, sp³d², and sp³d³. These particles can self-assemble into "colloidal molecules" with various bonding symmetries, including triangular, tetrahedral, and others. The interactions between patches are programmable, specific, and reversible, allowing for the controlled assembly of colloidal structures. The slow dynamics of colloidal systems enable direct observation of molecule formation using optical microscopy. The study demonstrates the potential for assembling a wide range of new micro-structured materials using these colloidal atoms. The method involves creating patchy particles with different numbers of patches and symmetries, functionalizing them with DNA, and using DNA-mediated interactions to control self-assembly. The research highlights the importance of controlling patch size and functionality to achieve desired structures and interactions. The study also discusses the potential applications of these colloidal particles in creating new materials with tailored properties.