Engineering materials layer-by-layer: Challenges and opportunities in multilayer assembly.

The article discusses a study that examined some of the key engineering opportunities and challenges in electrostatic assembly. It uses both passive and responsive, or smart materials systems, based on multi-layer assembly, as examples of how the layer-by-layer (LbL) approach to building materials nanolayer by nanolayer can yield promising systems for drug delivery. It also discusses the use of rapid assembly methods to examine various methods of generating or processing multi-layer thin films.