Self-assembly is a type of process in which a disordered system with preexisting components forms an organized structure or pattern as a consequence of specific, local interactions among its components without any external direction. Self-assembly of nanoparticles and subsequent formation of well-defined micro- and nanostructures have multiple interesting applications in nanosciences and nanotechnology. Such a mechanism relies on weak noncovalent bonds, such as hydrogen and ionic bonds, or van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions, and it can be applied to fabricate various complex micro- and nanostructures, such as flowers, tubes, rods, micelles, films, membranes, mesophases, particles, and hollow structures.

In this special issue, we invite interested scientists to submit original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand various self-assembly mechanisms/processes and their fundamental novel properties. We are particularly interested in articles describing novel growth mechanisms and interesting physical and chemical properties of self-assembled nano/microstructures. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Synthesis, characterization, and applications of self-assembled micro- and nanostructured materials
• Synthesis, characterization, and applications of self-assembled biological materials
• Self-assembly techniques for various oxide micro- and nanostructures formation for catalytic, optical, electronic, and energy applications

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnm/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/author/submit/journals/jnm/satna/ according to the following timetable: