Biomaterials based on noncovalent interactions of small molecules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional materials rely on covalent bonds, limiting reversibility and dynamic control.
• Supramolecular biomaterials leverage noncovalent interactions for self-assembly, offering enhanced biocompatibility and functionality.
• Recent advancements focus on controlling these interactions for sophisticated applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review noncovalent and enzymatic control strategies for supramolecular biomaterials.
• To introduce various triggering mechanisms for initiating self-assembly.
• To highlight representative applications in biomedicine.

Main Methods:

• Focus on noncovalent interactions and enzymatic control mechanisms.
• Discussion of triggering methods for self-assembly.
• Review of applications in tissue engineering, cancer therapy, drug delivery, and molecular imaging.

Main Results:

• Supramolecular biomaterials demonstrate versatility due to reversible noncovalent bonds.
• Enzymatic control provides precise spatiotemporal regulation of material behavior.
• Successful applications showcased in tissue engineering, cancer therapy, drug delivery, and molecular imaging.

Conclusions:

• Noncovalent interactions and enzymatic control are powerful tools for supramolecular biomaterials.
• These strategies enable precise control over biomaterial assembly and function.
• Significant potential for advanced *in vitro* and *in vivo* biomedical applications.