ABSTRACT
Supramolecular catalysts have emerged to link many biochemical processes with material science. One such process is self-assembling through catalysis, and this process has been extended to medicinal chemistry. Gels prepared by catalytic means are utilised in catalytic reactions. Confinements to nanodimensional catalytically active substrates in templates of zeolite and metal organic frameworks are of interest to deliver specific products through catalytic reactions. Design of polymer support and the use of electron transfer properties of supports such as those of graphene oxides have helped replicate enzyme activities. Signal transductions through catalytic reactions are useful in biological sensory materials. Autocatalysis provides replications of biological processes, and the concepts of reactions in self-assemblies have emerged as a pioneering topic of research. Aspects like complementary hydrogen bonds, reactivity of micelles and reactions of cages in autocatalysis have strengthened the area of supramolecular catalysis. The use of biomolecules such as albumins, DNA and ribozomes with appropriate modifications and to utilise the intrinsic acid-base properties of biomaterials has emerged as frontiers. These topics are discussed in this chapter to survey the future of catalysis. It is suggested that multifunctional catalysts with signalling and recognition ability and heterogenisation will provide constant feedstock to the subject. The final objectives of supramolecular catalysis will be to improve fuels, energy, health care and the environment.
