Abstract
Adaptation transcends scale in both natural and artificial systems, but delineating the causative
factors of this phenomenon requires urgent clarification. Herein, we unravel the molecular
requirements for adaptation and establish a link to rationalize adaptive behavior on a self-assembled level. These concepts were established by analyzing a model compound exhibiting
both light- and pH-responsive units, which enable the combined or independent application of
different stimuli. On a molecular level, adaptation arises from coupled stimuli, as the final
outcome of the system depends on their sequence of application. However, in a self-assembled
state, a single stimulus suffices to induce adaptation as a result of collective molecular behavior
and the reversibility of non-covalent interactions. Our findings go beyond state-of-the art
(multi)stimuli-responsive systems and allow us to draw up design guidelines for adaptive
behavior both at the molecular and supramolecular level, which are fundamental criteria for the
realization of intelligent matter.
Supplementary materials
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Supplementary Information
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Supplementary images, methods, experimental details
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