Dynamic self-assembled supramolecular catalysts

Summary Supramolecular enzyme mimics have traditionally targeted substrate binding or transition state stabilization by utilizing highly rigid structures. Enzymes, however, are not static structures and must adopt numerous conformations to bind the substrate, perform catalysis, and release the product. In this chapter, we explore how combining the concepts of dynamic self-assembly and cooperativity allows the generation of catalysts that respond to changes in the supramolecular structure. In such systems, catalytic activity is an emergent property of the supramolecular assembly, which permits modulation of catalytic activity by control over the self-assembly process. This allows the introduction of negative feedback loops, stimuli-responsive properties, and the design of systems that operate out-of-equilibrium. The dynamic nature of these systems lends itself to potential applications in catalyst discovery and optimization, the construction of artificial transmembrane receptors, and smart materials with responsive and life-like properties.