Spatially controlled clustering of nucleotide-stabilized vesicles

The hierarchical self-assembly of surfactant molecules into large clusters of vesicles is described. The two-step process relies on the initial stabilization of vesicles by guanosine monophosphate followed by Ag+-induced aggregation of the vesicles in micrometer-sized colonies. Spatial control over aggregation is obtained by locally generating Ag+-ions through oxidation of an Ag surface.