Construction of Supramolecular Systems That Achieve Lifelike Functions

Abstract

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded in 1987 and 2016 for research in supramolecular chemistry on the “development and use of molecules with structure-specific interactions of high selectivity” and the “design and production of molecular machines”, respectively. This confirmed the explosive development of supramolecular chemistry. In addition, attempts have been made in systems chemistry to embody the complex functions of living organisms as artificial non-equilibrium chemical systems, which have not received much attention in supramolecular chemistry. In this review, we explain recent developments in supramolecular chemistry through four categories: stimuli-responsiveness, time evolution, dissipative self-assembly, and hierarchical expression of functions. We discuss the development of non-equilibrium supramolecular systems, including the use of molecules with precisely designed properties, to achieve functions found in life as a hierarchical chemical system.

Induction for Self-Propelled Motion of Artificial Objects with/without Shape Anisotropy

“…If life-like dynamic behaviors, such as the self-propelled motion of supramolecular self-assemblies, can be designed and experimentally induced from molecu-lar properties, it will be easier to control the functions expressed as outputs. This will lead to not only a better understanding of the complex functions of living systems but also the fabrication of exotic materials with life-like properties 69) .…”

Anin situprotonation-activated supramolecular self-assembly for selective suppression of tumor growth

“…Self-assembly, as a universal phenomenon, has extensively existed in nature. 1,2 In living organisms, the small molecules and the biomacromolecules could self-assemble into particular structures, which play vital roles in the various metabolic processes. [3][4][5][6] For example, the subcellular organelles participate in many important physiological and pathological processes including cell proliferation, organism metabolism, intracellular transportation, and so on.…”