作者：Zhenfeng He, Wei. Jiang,* Christoph. A. Schalley,*
关键字：integrative self-sorting，dynamic combinatorial library，
论文来源：期刊
具体来源：Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, 44, 779-789
发表时间：2015年

Large protein-sized synthetic supramolecular architecture is rare and certainly has not yet achieved the

structural and functional complexity of biomolecules. As multiple, identical copies of a few building

blocks are repetitively used, a highly symmetrical architecture results with limitations in function. In

marked contrast, functional structures in nature are often assembled with high geometric precision from

many different building blocks. They cooperate in a complex way realizing energy conversion, mechanical

motion or transport phenomena. Beyond self-assembly, the structurally and functionally complex biomolecular

machines rely on self-sorting to correctly position all subunits through orthogonal recognition sites. Mimicking

such self-sorting processes is a promising strategy for supramolecular synthesis – resulting in higher structural

complexity and promising access to a more sophisticated function. The term ‘‘integrative self-sorting’’

was coined to describe the strategy to form well-defined assemblies with well-controlled subunit

positions. The key process is the incorporation of two or more orthogonal binding motifs into at least

some of the subunits. Modularity and programmability based on orthogonal yet similar binding motifs

generate diversity and complexity. Integrative self-sorting is thus inherently related to systems chemistry.

Depending on the individual binding motifs, (multi-)stimuli responsiveness can be achieved. When

different recognition events en route to the final assembly occur on significantly different time scales,

kinetic pathway selection is observed. In this account, we review the modularity, programmability, and

emergent properties of integrative self-sorting, emphasizing its utility and perspective for complex

supramolecular architectures.