The modular approach to supramolecular materials

The possibilities given to us by the controlled supramolecular organization of repeating units into polymeric chains are used to design and synthesize functional materials. Two avenues will be discussed, both making use of the modular approach to mix individual components to make transient materials with interesting properties. With biocompatible quadruple hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers and oligopeptides functionalized with the same hydrogen-bonded units, novel bio-active materials for tissue engineering are obtained. In order to make organized materials for electronics, supramolecular interactions are combined with conjugated oligomers. Well-defined supramolecular objects are obtained by self-assembly and the objects are transferred from solution to the surface. Again by the mixing of different units, e.g. energy transfer can be studied in great detail.