Catalysis to control targeted response in supramolecular systems

Living cells adapt to changes of their environment through a cascade of chemical reactions regulated by enzymes. Each cellular pathway contains a series of enzymes, which are capable of receiving and translating a specific chemical or physical signal into a biological response. Taking inspiration from nature, enzymatic mechanisms can be integrated or mimicked to install signal-response behavior in artificial materials. These systems undergo physical and mechanical change when a specific stimulus triggers a chemical transformation, which is pre-programmed in the material. This can be particularly interesting to realize drug delivery systems sensitive to signals overproduced by diseased cells, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enzymes and organocatalysts can be implemented in the material matrix to facilitate the reactions integrated in the functional material. Control over the morphological properties of the materials can lead to complex functions, such as actuation, self-healing and targeted cargo release.