Several results on bent-core liquid crystals considered as new supramolecular functional materials with potential for applications are reviewed. Various topics are discussed where these materials present unique attributes with clear advantages over conventional mesogens. In particular the electrooptic responses of some mesophases are examined from the viewpoint of their possible use in electrooptic devices. Other issues are also treated such as nonlinear optical properties, flexoelectricity or the design of biaxial nematics from bent-core molecules. Future challenges and prospects for new possibilities with these materials are briefly outlined.

The recent literature in the field of liquid crystals shows that “banana-shaped” mesogenic materials represent a bewitching and stimulating field of research that is interesting both academically and in terms of applications. Numerous topics are open to investigation in this area because of the rich phenomenology and new possibilities that these materials offer. The principal concepts in this area are reviewed along with recent results. In addition, new directions to stimulate further research activities are highlighted.