The Supramolecular Organization of Guanosine Derivatives

Nature's use of a simple genetic code to enable life's complex functions is an inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. DNA nucleobases carry the key information utilizing a variety of cooperative and non-covalent interactions. This mini-review describes some recent advances in the form and function provided by self-assembly of guanine (G) based systems. Although the large variety of supramolecular networks originated by guanosine derivatives has been investigated for a couple of decades, only in recent years several research groups focused on their applications in supramolecular chemistry, material science and nanotechnology. Our attempt here is to make connections between the structures of the assemblies and their properties. The review begins with a brief historical context of G self-assembly in water and then describes studies on lipophilic guanosine analogs in organic solvents. The article finally focuses on examples of how G analogs have been used as building blocks for functional applications.