The spontaneous aggregation of the bolaamphiphile alpha,omega-docosanediol into embryonic three-dimensional crystallites at the air-water interface can be inhibited by additives. A study with the aim of determining the necessary properties of such supplements is reported, which uses additives with molecular recognition properties and methods such as X-ray reflectivity, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy in order to detect structural changes at the nanometer level.