Toward Bio-Inspired Photoadressable Supramolecular Systems. Synthesis, Light-Emission, Dynamics, Biomedical Application

Noncovalent intermolecular forces play a fundamental, ubiquitous role in living systems particularly in view of molecular recognition and self-organization / self-assembly. In an increasing extent the principles found in organized biological systems are utilized for the development of artificial structures which are able to mimic certain properties of the naturally occurring systems. In this context, some novel supramolecular receptors such as dendritic hosts, molecular tweezers, helical systems, and synthetic flavylium salts gain more and more importance. Fine-tuning of photochemical, photophysical and electrochemical properties of host-guest systems provide the possibility of tailoring the supramolecular reactivity opening fascinating and important development in biomedical application such as the design of novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. This field is in its infancy, and in particular a deep understanding about binding and transport behaviour in both aqueous and mixed organic-aqueous systems must be achieved. The study of molecular recognition and self-assembly processes in the most competitive environment - the aqueous media - is still a challenge and a stimulus for the creation of novel supramolecular ensembles which possess more simple structures but similar functions as the complex biological systems.