Supramolecular chemistry in biodevices

Supramolecular chemistry offers diverse opportunities for fabrication and improvement of biodevices. Applications in this field can be pursued both on surfaces and in solution, for example via the functionalization of biomolecules (peptides, proteins, DNA, etc) with supramolecular tags for selective and reversible binding, immobilization and orientation. The targeted fields of application range from diagnostics for the detection and quantification of biomarkers to biomaterials that mediate controlled interactions with eukaryotic cells or bacteria, hence, promoting their subsequent development towards biosensors or implants. Thus, supramolecular concepts like host-guest interactions offer dynamic platforms and a high versatility and will be the focus of this review. Such supramolecular cyclic host molecules create great opportunities for drug delivery, while the dynamicity and reversibility of these assemblies open the door to acquire self-healing materials.