ABSTRACT
Nature's efficiency in using a simple genetic code to carry out complex functions is an inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. The DNA and RNA nucleobases participate in a range of cooperative and non-covalent interactions such as hydrophobic, van der Waals, π–π stacking, ion-dipole and hydrogen bonding interactions. This article describes advances in nucleobase self-assembly, with a focus on guanine based systems. We define self-assembly as formation of non-covalent structures from interaction of identical subunits. We discuss recent developments in nucleobase self-assembly, and we attempt to make connections between the structures of the assemblies and their properties. The review begins with a historical context of guanine (G) self-assembly in water and then describes studies on lipophilic guanosine analogs in organic solvents. The last section discusses examples of synthetic G analogs as promising building blocks for material science and nanotechnology applications. The interested reader may want to consult reviews on nucleobases as supramolecular motifs[1][2] and on guanosine self-assembly.[3]
