Book excerpt: With its exploration of the scientific and technological characteristics of systems exploiting molecular recognition between synthetic materials, such as polymers and nanoparticles, and biological entities, this is a truly multidisciplinary book bridging chemistry, life sciences, pharmacology and medicine. The authors introduce innovative biomimetic chemical assemblies which constitute platforms for recruitment of cellular components or biological molecules, while also focusing on physical, chemical, and biological aspects of biomolecular recognition. The diverse applications covered include biosensors, cell adhesion, synthetic receptors, cell patterning, bioactive nanoparticles, and drug design.