Nanotechnology is the creation of useful materials, devices, and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer-length scale. This takes place at the scale of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. In the world of chemistry, the rational design ofmolecular structures and optimized control of self-assembly conditions have enabled us to control the resultant self-assembled morphologies having 1 to 100-nm dimensions with singlenanometer precision. This current research trend applying the bottom-up approach to molecules remarkably contrasts with the top-down approach in nanotechnology, in which electronic devices are miniaturizing to smaller than 30 nm. However, even engineers working with state-of-the-art computer technology state that maintaining the rate of improvement based on Moore’s law will be the most difficult challenge in the next decade.

On the other hand, the excellent properties and intelligent functions of a variety of natural materials have inspired polymer and organic chemists to tailor their synthetic organic alternatives by extracting the essential structural elements. In particular, one-dimensional structures in nature with sophisticated hierarchy, such asmyelinated axons in neurons, tendon, protein tubes of tubulin, and spider webs, provide intriguing examples of integrated functions and properties.