Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity
Supramolecular chemistry

Supramolecular chemistry

We exploit weak, reversible interactions acting between molecules at the atomic scale to assemble nanoscopic objects into innovative materials.

We can drive the self-assembly of small molecules in complex, hierarchical structures thanks to Van der Waals forces, electrostatic attractions, p-p interaction or hydrogen bonds to drive mimicking similar self-assembly processes used by Nature.

In this way, we can create molecular switches or motors, nano-antennas or nano-composites able, as example, to deliver drugs in specific parts of the body, or materials able to purify water, or to interact with the membranes of living cells.