Layer‐by‐layer assembly: Layer‐By‐Layer Technique for Producing Porous Nanostructured 3D Constructs Using Moldable Freeform Assembly of Spherical Templates (Small 23/2010)

The frontispiece shows a new easy and versatile layer-by-layer (LbL)-based methodology to develop 3D nanometer-scale structures from a macrotemplate arrangement of random wax spheres. This method, based on the dropwise addition of polyelectrolyte solutions, displays a new “in-situ binding” feature, which brings the freeform assembly of spherical templates into moldable 3D geometries held together without any binder. The highlight of this step is the simultaneous coating of multilayers acting as joints between the spheres, which after leaching lead to the formation of an interconnected structure. Good cell adhesion and proliferation indicate their potential application in tissue engineering. For more information, please read the Communication “Layer-By-Layer Technique for Producing Porous Nanostructured 3D Constructs Using Moldable Freeform Assembly of Spherical Templates” by P. Sher, C. A. Custódio, and J. F. Mano, beginning on page 2643.