Supramolecular chemistry involves molecules acting as building blocks that are held together by weak interactions to form aggregates. There are two main categories: host-guest chemistry, where a larger host molecule binds a smaller guest molecule using a lock and key principle, and self-assembly, where molecules of similar size interact through hydrogen bonds or other forces without a size difference between parts. Chemists design and synthesize host molecules that selectively bind specific guest molecules, taking inspiration from natural systems to gain understanding of biology and develop applications in nanotechnology and medicine.

1. Supramolecular chemistry