Concept transfer from the life sciences into materials science

The use of self-assembly processes, which are presided over by noncovalent bonding interactions, has led to the construction of a variety of mechanically-entwined and interlocked entities - namely, the so-called pseudorotaxanes, rotaxanes and catenanes - of nanometre size. Although these superstructures and structures are entirely unnatural in their forms, they have been constructed utilising approaches akin to those occurring in nature.