Exploitation of saturated macrocyclic polyamines has led to the discovery of numerous novel functions and new molecules such as 1) unique proton sponge properties; 2) uptake of biological polyanions; 3) peptide-like metal uptake properties; 4) stabilization of unusual oxidation states of metal ions (e.g., Cu^III, Ni^III); 5) novel uptake and activation of O₂ by new Ni^II-macrocyclic complexes; 6) a new synthetic pathway to functionalize macrocyclic polyamines; 7) the first gold(III) complex that is a new candidate for gold-plating agents; 8) intrinsic zinc(II) properties pertinent to zinc enzymes; 9) selective recognition of thymine by Zn^II complexes; and 10) new cage supermolecules. These newly discovered molecules and properties have opened up a new field of supramolecular science.