Self-assembly of Tyrosine Scaffolds in Aqueous Media: Complex Molecular Architectures from Simple Building Blocks

Mimicking natural systems, self-assembly has been employed for constructing highly stable and well-ordered supramolecular structures. Amino acids are frequently used as building blocks in the self-assembly process due to their advantageous characteristics including easy availability, easy functionalization, tunable mechanical property, and biodegradability. In situ generation of active building blocks to obtain complex materials via self-assembly has enhanced their application in biomedical fields including bio-imaging, therapeutics. Single amino acid as the small building-block can provide artificial supramolecular materials with unique properties. In this review, we summarize the self-assembly of tyrosine-derivatives as single amino acid-based building blocks providing supramolecular assemblies and provide perspectives on their potential impact. Finally, we discuss the ongoing challenges for future research.