Supramolecular Polymer Complexes Based on Specific Molecular Recognition: DNA and its Synthetic Mimics

Among the many emerging strategies for macromolecular self-assembly, only a few of them with strong and highly selective molecular recognition are able to achieve ordered self-organization in molecular level. DNA is unquestionably an ideal model in nature carrying such molecular recognition and has been used to design a variety of exquisite self-assemblies at nanoscales. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in DNA nanotechnology from the point of view of chemistry. Two major mechanisms for DNA selfassembly, tile-based DNA self-assembly and DNA origami, are introduced with some very intriguing examples and promising applications. On the other hand, DNA-inspired synthetic polymer is another appealing field for well-defined nanostructure fabrication. Therefore, the DNA-like behaviors of synthetic polymers are also reviewed, including the self-assembly of side-chain multiple-hydrogenbonding polymers and DNA (or its mimics) mediated polymerizations. The synthetic methods, self-organization mechanisms and potential applications of selected cases are illustrated. In the end, we highlight the challenges and drawbacks of the current methods for DNAand DNA-mimic-based supramolecular assembly with possible solutions.