Methods for the detection of pathogens and their deactivation are of paramount importance for public health and security. In this review we highlight some recent examples of sophisticated synthetic polymers and macromolecular constructs that can be used to interact selectively with target pathogens. The biomimetic properties of these materials lend themselves not just to high specificity interactions with target pathogens, but also towards novel capture and deactivation mechanisms. These are the first steps towards combined diagnostics/therapeutics against pathogens.