Supramolecular chemistry involves molecules acting as building blocks that are held together by weak interactions to form aggregates. There are two main categories: host-guest chemistry, where a larger host molecule binds a smaller guest molecule using a lock and key principle, and self-assembly, where molecules of similar size interact through hydrogen bonds or other forces without a size difference between parts. Chemists design and synthesize host molecules that selectively bind specific guest molecules, taking inspiration from natural systems to gain understanding of biology and develop applications in nanotechnology and medicine.

1. Supramolecular chemistry

2. Supramolecular chemistry Can be described as kind of lego block chemistry Molecules as building blocks Held together by weak interactions Forming aggregates

3. Two categories Host-guest chemistry and self-assembly. The difference is in the shape and size of the molecules.

4. Host-guest chemistry In host-guest chemistry the host is a bigger molecule that binds the smaller molecule with lock and key principle The host is like a lock in witch the key fits perfectly In biology, etnsymes are host that bind the substrates (guests).

5. Self-assembly Interaction between molecules is called self-assembly, when there is no difference in the size of the molecules One example of self-assembly is DNA, where two molecule strands bind to each other with hydrogen bonds

6. Desing and synthesis Chemists desings and makes molecules that can act as a host to specific guest molecules Inspiration for synthetic supramolecules often come from Nature. Selective and complementary molecules To undestand biological systems, as reseptors, in molecular recocnition, parts in nanotechnology, in medicines etc.