8 Bioorthogonal Supramolecular Assemblies in Cells

Abstract This review addresses the concept and mechanisms of bioorthogonal supramolecular self-assembly in living organisms. It introduces bioorthogonal chemistry, which allows chemical reactions to occur within biological systems without interfering with natural processes. Key mechanisms reviewed include intracellular polymerization, host–guest interactions involving macrocyclic molecules, enzyme-mediated assembly, and peptide self-assembly. These processes mimic the way nature constructs complex structures and are crucial for applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, and diagnostics, paving the way for advancements in personalized medicine and cancer therapy.