Over the past two decades, the field of supramolecular polymer chemistry has developed from a curiosity to a mature area of polymer science. Among the most promising subjects in this large field are noncovalently functionalized side-chain polymers that have been investigated extensively as a result of their modular character and ease of synthesis. Side-chain functionalized polymers have the potential for a profound impact on complex materials. For example, for side-chain functionalized polymers based on a single noncovalent interaction, materials for a variety of applications ranging from liquid crystalline and electro-optical materials to drug delivery systems have been reported. Furthermore, materials based on this novel methodology may overcome several shortcomings of current covalent multifunctionalization strategies such as highly complex materials that are extremely difficult or impossible to fabricate with current methods. In this review, basic design requirements, advantages and potential applications are presented. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry