Supramolecular architectures developed after the initial studies of Cram, Lehn and Pedersen have become structurally complex but fascinating. In this context, supramolecular capsules based on resorcin[4]arenes, calix[n]arenes or metal–ligand structures are dynamic assemblies inspired by biological systems. The reversible formation of these assemblies, combined with the possibility to modify their dimensions and shapes in the presence of a guest (concepts of reversibility and adaptivity) make them similar to biological macromolecules, such as proteins and enzymes. The small space inside a supramolecular capsule is characterized by different properties compared to the bulk solution. This review describes concrete applications of capsular supramolecular self-assemblies in the biomedical field, in catalysis and in material science.

We report of the interactions between four amino acids lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg), histidine (His), and phenylalanine (Phe) with the J-aggregates of the protonated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin H₄TPPS. Several aspects of these self-assembled systems have been analyzed: (i) the chiral transfer process; (ii) the hierarchical effects leading to the aggregates formation; and, (iii) the influence of the amino acid concentrations on both transferring and storing chiral information. We have demonstrated that the efficient control on the J-aggregates chirality is obtained when all amino acids are tested and that the chirality transfer process is under hierarchical control. Finally, the chiral porphyrin aggregates obtained exhibit strong chiral inertia.

A new protocol to obtain carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) covalently functionalized with a chiral Mn-Salen catalyst is described here. The new nanocatalyst (CNPs-Mn-Salen) was tested in the enantioselective epoxidation of some representative alkenes (CN-chromene, 1,2-dihydronaphthalene and cis-β-ethyl styrene), obtaining better enantiomeric excess values than that of the catalyst single molecule, highlighting the role of the nanostructure in the enantioselectivity.

Enantioselective epoxidation reactions of some chosen reactive alkenes by a chiral Mn(III) salen catalyst were performed in H₂O employing H₂O₂ as oxidant and diethyltetradecylamine N-oxide (AOE-14) as surfactant. This procedure represents an environmentally benign protocol which leads to e.e. values ranging from good to excellent (up to 95%).