An overarching theme of our research is the development of small molecules with functions that are fulfilled in nature by large macromolecules. We utilize the power of organic synthesis to access functionalities that nature might have not had in the repertoire of building blocks. The focus is both on practical applications and an understanding of the properties on the molecular level. This scope includes the development of bioinspired asymmetric catalysts and functionalizable collagen, molecular scaffolds for applications in supramolecular and biological chemistry (e.g., cell-penetrating peptides, and tumor targeting), and the controlled formation of metal nanoparticles.