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conditions to control assembled pathways, various materials with advanced and improved functions could be
envisioned.

The Special Issue focuses on recent progress in self-assembled structures or materials across broad
interdisciplinary areas, which involve organic/inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, colloid and surface
chemistry, nanotechnology, soft materials, and materials science. Recently, many scientists have developed
self-assembled systems based on biopolymers, such as DNA, proteins, and polypeptides, as well as other
natural or synthetic biopolymers . For example, Zhong et al. utilized the dynamic and exchangeable nature
[7,8]
of DNA hydrogen bonding to build a series of artificial dynamic nucleic-acid-based networks . Their review
[9]
highlights the potential of DNA networks to mimic biological transformations and addresses the challenges
of building dynamic networks with life-like behavior in cell-like confined environments. Beyond
supramolecular DNA-based nanotechnology, Sun et al. summarized recent advances in host-guest
assemblies for enhanced photothermal therapy [10] . Leveraging the dynamic features and unique
microenvironments of host-guest complexes, they discussed improved photothermal efficiency, enhanced
distribution at target cancer sites, and multimodal therapy. This opens an alternative avenue for high-
performance biomedical applications. Besides utilizing the self-assembly concept in biomedical areas,
different self-assembled materials with porous structures have emerged for water harvesting . By designing
[11]
and tuning the pores and exo- or endo-sites of porous materials, the interactions between adsorbents and
water can be well regulated; thus, water absorption into such materials is achieved efficiently. Recent
progress in the fabrication of two-dimensional mesoporous materials has been reported .
[12]

The above-mentioned examples highlight the significant potential of self-assembly chemistry in boosting
elaborate design and synthesis of advanced supramolecular systems. We hope to stimulate further endeavors
to create materials that have not yet been possible in the synthetic world and to fully explore their potential
in diverse applications.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
The author contributed solely to the article.

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

AI and AI-assisted tools statement
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Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
Wang, C. is a Guest Editor of the Special Issue “Self-Assembled Nanostructures and Materials” of the journal
Chemical Synthesis. Wang, C. was not involved in any steps of editorial processing, notably including
reviewers’ selection, manuscript handling and decision making.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2026.