The Design of Dissipative Molecular Assemblies Driven by Chemical Reaction Cycles

The field of supramolecular chemistry and molecular self-assembly has entered a new phase in which the use of chemical reactions to create out-of-equilibrium molecular assemblies is becoming more common. These dynamic assemblies have vastly different properties than their in-equilibrium counterparts, which include the ability to be controlled over space and time or the ability to self-replicate. Such behaviors would set significant steps toward the synthesis of artificial life. However, a limiting factor toward the revolution of the field is the lack of clear definitions and design rules for such systems. In this review, we explain the core principles that help to design energy-dissipating chemical reaction cycles that can drive molecular assemblies. We discuss strategies for coupling these reaction cycles to building blocks for the materials. We conclude with an outlook for the field of dissipative self-assembly and its potential role as a material or model for life.