Multilayer films of CdS particles and meso-tetra-(4-trimethylaminophenyl)porphyrin cobalt iodide (CoTAPPI) were fabricated via layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and SEM images were used to compare the differences between the films prepared from freshly synthesized nanoparticles and from aged particles. SEM images show the aged CdS particles and CoTAPPI in the multilayer film, assembling in a linear structure. The mechanism of dipole-dipole interaction was presented to explain linear formation. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.