EXPLORING THE WORLD OF SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY: FROM NON-COVALENT INTERACTIONS TO BIOMIMETIC APPLICATIONS
Authors: Sahu Lalita , Singh Arun Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Supramolecular chemistry, a captivating realm within the field of chemistry, delves into the intricate world of non-covalent interactions that govern the assembly of complex molecular architectures. This chapter embarks on an insightful journey through the multifaceted landscapes of supramolecular chemistry, encompassing foundational principles, historical narratives, and cutting-edge applications. The chapter commences by introducing the very essence of supramolecular chemistry—the realm of non-covalent interactions that orchestrate molecular associations. A comprehensive overview reveals the broad scope of supramolecular chemistry, unearthing its significance in diverse scientific realms, from materials science to drug delivery. The historical tapestry woven within this field is unveiled, spotlighting the pioneering contributions of luminary chemists who laid the cornerstone for modern supramolecular investigations. Non-covalent interactions, the bedrock of supramolecular chemistry, are meticulously examined. A symphony of hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, π-π interactions, and electrostatic attractions reverberates through the narrative. Each interaction is dissected, unraveling its distinct significance in molecular recognition, assembly, and function. This exploration illuminates the artistry inherent in nature's repertoire of non-covalent forces, which orchestrates the exquisite ballet of molecules within intricate architectures. Host-guest chemistry emerges as a captivating theme, unveiling the molecular recognition phenomena that underpin supramolecular interactions. A cavalcade of cavity-based hosts, including cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes, and crown ethers, is spotlighted. Their role as molecular containers, accommodating guest molecules within their embrace, is unveiled. The applications of inclusion complexes, particularly in the realm of drug delivery, resonate with therapeutic potential, promising a revolution in targeted medicine. The chapter then embarks on an exploration of self-assembly—a symphony orchestrated by molecules themselves. Principles of spontaneous organization manifest in diverse supramolecular aggregates: micelles, vesicles, and liquid crystals. The artistry of self-assembled monolayers finds application across interfaces, from biomaterials to electronics, encapsulating both scientific curiosity and practical utility. Supramolecular polymers emerge as polymorphic protagonists in the molecular theater. Their formation via non-covalent interactions is juxtaposed against traditional covalent counterparts, highlighting the elegance of the former. Applications within materials science and controlled drug release set the stage for innovative material design, where non-covalent forces orchestrate responsive behavior. Coordination supramolecular chemistry's spotlight focuses on metal-ligand interactions and coordination complexes. Within this intricate dance, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) emerge as architectural marvels with applications spanning catalysis to gas storage. The chapter transgresses further into the arena of supramolecular catalysis, where enzyme mimics and host-guest systems channel the essence of biological catalysis into artificial realms. Templated reactions and substrate selectivity amplify the potential for fine-tuned reactivity. The narrative then shifts its lens to supramolecular sensors and molecular machines, uncovering the intricate symphony of molecular recognition harnessed in chemical sensing. Chemodosimeters, heralds of environmental sensing, shine light on real-time detection paradigms. The enigmatic world of molecular switches and motors dances to the rhythm of applied energy, pushing the boundaries of molecular manipulation. Venturing into the nanoscale, supramolecular nanomaterials come to the forefront, presenting a tapestry of self-assembled wonders. Nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanocapsules emerge as building blocks harnessed for drug delivery, imaging, and electronics. The chapter culminates in bioinspired supramolecular chemistry, where nature's molecular choreography is emulated. Synthetic ion channels, transporters, and biomaterials echo the marvels of biological systems, heralding potential breakthroughs in medicine and materials science.