Abstract
The form and function of a large number of biochemical systems is determined by the mutual recognition of their molecular components.1−3 Noncovalent bonding interactions are responsible for the efficient and precise self-assembly1−3 of a wide number of naturally-occurring molecular assemblies and supramolecular arrays. Thus, molecular recognition plays a fundamental role in biological processes and the forms, as well as the functions, of biochemical systems are determined precisely by the stereoelectronic information imprinted and coded in their subunits. Examples of molecules and supermolecules that are able to accomplish specific functions are indeed frequent in nature. Light harvesting, electron and ion-transport, catalysis, and replication, are only a few of the phenomena associated with such naturally-occurring molecular machines.4 Inspired by nature, the synthetic chemist is now beginning to realise the possibility of employing the concept of self-assembly to generate wholly-synthetic systems that mimic the functions of their biotic counterparts.5 The efficiency and high degree of control, associated with self-assembly processes, provide a powerful route to the construction of complex abiotic systems having prescribed forms and engineered functions, thus affording a whole new generation of artificial molecular machines.6,7