A novel approach for building supramolecular structures such as tetrametallic rectangular box complexes has been developed by Chad Mirkin and colleagues at Northwestern University, US. 

Mirkin and colleagues have used small molecular building blocks to make the supramolecular structures. With this strategy they have found it is possible to selectively control the chemistry at one coordination site of each metal center in the walls. This approach allows by-products to be avoided and high ordered architectures such as the rectangular box can be targeted and synthesised in a predictable fashion. 

The multi-functionality of enzymes in nature provided the inspiration for Mirkin to borrow this molecular engineering strategy to build sophisticated coordinated supramolecules. They hope that this approach will allow researchers to 'build unique architectures with catalytic and molecular recognition properties which will rival or surpass those of natural enzymes.'