controlling the properties of self - assembled supramolecules via intrinsic parameters ( i.e. , structural information in the subunits ) enables the reliable construction of assemblies of well - defined size and composition . 
 here we show that an optimum balance between repulsive ( e.g. , steric ) and attractive ( e.g. ,  , dipoledipole ) noncovalent interactions between subunits of a lipophilic 8-(3-pyridyl)-2-deoxyguanosine derivative enables the high fidelity formation of a stable and discrete self - assembled dodecamer . 
 in contrast , the isosteric 8-phenyl-2-deoxyguanosine derivative assembles into an octamer because it can not engage in additional dipoledipole interactions . adding dodecamers to a supramolecular construction toolbox , already containing octamers and hexadecamers made from other 8-aryl-2-deoxyguanosine derivatives , should enable the preparation of a wide variety of self - assembled nanostructures where the size and the number of functional elements can be precisely fine - tuned for specific applications .