Ionic self-assembly of redox-active polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes: mesostructured soft materials for electrochemical nanoarchitectonics

Ionic self-assembly (ISA) has emerged as a powerful nanoarchitectonics strategy for constructing functional supramolecular materials through electrostatic interactions. This approach enables the formation of highly ordered nano- and mesostructures with tunable electrochemical properties. A key application of ISA lies in electroactive polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes, which serve as dynamic platforms for biosensing and electrochemical devices. These materials, easily integrated onto electrodes via solution-based deposition techniques, offer tailored charge transport and redox activity. Their ability to incorporate metal nanoparticles and enzymes further expands their functionality, enabling the development of amperometric biosensors for highly sensitive biochemical detection. This review explores the principles of ISA-derived materials, emphasizing their role in electrochemical applications and their potential in next-generation biosensors.