Cell-Like Synthetic Supramolecular Soft Materials Realized in Multicomponent, Non-/Out-of-Equilibrium Dynamic Systems

Living cells are complex, nonequilibrium supramolecular systems capable of independently and/or cooperatively integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to execute intricate physiological functions that cannot be accomplished by individual biomolecules. These biological design strategies offer valuable insights for the development of synthetic supramolecular systems with spatially controlled hierarchical structures, which, importantly, exhibit cell-like responses and functions. The next grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry is to control the organization of multiple types of supramolecules in a single system, thus integrating the functions of these supramolecules in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner. In this perspective, the recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through the hybridization of supramolecules, such as self-assembled nanofibers/gels and coacervates, with other functional molecules, including polymer gels and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, results show that these materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli, such as bidirectional rheological responses of supramolecular double-network hydrogels, temporal stimulus pattern-dependent responses of synthetic coacervates, and 3D hydrogel patterning in response to reaction-diffusion processes are presented. Autonomous active soft materials with cell-like responses and spatially controlled structures hold promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics with directional motion, point-of-care disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration. The next challenge in supramolecular chemistry is the controlled non-/out-of-equilibrium organization of multiple types of supramolecules within a single system, like living cells. This perspective highlights the achievements in bioinspired stimulus responses and 3D hydrogel patterning by integration of multiple synthetic supramolecules and other functional materials in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner.image

Automated summary

Living cells are capable of integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to carry out complex physiological functions. Synthetic supramolecular systems that mimic cell-like responses and functions are desired. Recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through hybridization of supramolecules with functional molecules is highlighted. These materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli and offer promise for applications in soft robotics, disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration.