Compact Micropatterned Chip Empowers Undisturbed and Programmable Drug Addition in High-Throughput Cell Screening

Simultaneously adding multiple drugs and other chemical reagents to individual droplets at specific time points presents a significant challenge, particularly when dealing with tiny droplets in high-throughput screening applications. In this study, a micropatterned polymer chip is developed as a miniaturized platform for light-induced programmable drug addition in cell-based screening. This chip incorporates a porous superhydrophobic polymer film with atom transfer radical polymerization reactivity, facilitating the efficient grafting of azobenzene methacrylate, a photoconformationally changeable group, onto the hydrophilic regions of polymer matrix at targeted locations and with precise densities. By employing light irradiation, the cyclodextrin-azobenzene host-guest complexes formed on the polymer chip can switch from an "associated" to a "dissociated" state, granting precise photochemical control over the supramolecular coding system and its surface patterning ability. Significantly, the exceptional spatial and temporal control offered by these chemical transitions empowers to utilize digital light processing systems for simultaneous regulation and release of cyclodextrin-bearing drugs across numerous droplets containing suspended or adhered cells. This approach minimizes mechanical disruption while achieving precise control over the timing of addition, dosage, and integration varieties of released drugs in high-throughput screening, all programmable to meet specific requirements.

Supramolecular Complexation of Azobenzene Dyes by Cucurbit[7]uril

This report describes cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) complexation of azobenzene dyes that have a 4-(N,N'-dimethylamino) or 4-amino substituent. Absorption and NMR data show that CB7 encapsulates the protonated form of the azobenzene and that the complexed dye exists as its azonium tautomer with a trans azo conformation and substantial quinoid resonance character. Because CB7 complexation stabilizes the dye conjugate acid, there is an upward shift in its pKa, and in one specific case, the pKa of the protonated azobenzene is increased from 3.09 to 4.47. Molecular modeling indicates that the CB7/azobenzene complex is stabilized by three major noncovalent factors: (i) ion-dipole interactions between the partially cationic 4-(N,N'-dimethylamino) or 4-amino group on the encapsulated protonated azobenzene and the electronegative carbonyl oxygens on CB7, (ii) inclusion of the upper aryl ring of the azobenzene within the hydrophobic CB7 cavity, and (iii) a hydrogen bond between the proton on the azo nitrogen and CB7 carbonyls. CB7 complexation enhances azobenzene stability and increases azobenzene hydrophilicity; thus, it is a promising way to improve azobenzene performance as a pigment or prodrug. In addition, the striking yellow/pink color change that accompanies CB7 complexation can be exploited to create azobenzene dye displacement assays with naked eye detection.

Cucurbit[7]uril Complexation of Near-Infrared Fluorescent Azobenzene-Cyanine Conjugates

Two new azobenzene heptamethine cyanine conjugates exist as dispersed monomeric molecules in methanol solution and exhibit near-infrared (NIR) cyanine absorption and fluorescence. Both conjugates form non-emissive cyanine H-aggregates in water, but the addition of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) induces dye deaggregation and a large increase in cyanine NIR fluorescence emission intensity. CB7 encapsulates the protonated azonium tautomer of the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)azobenzene component of each azobenzene-cyanine conjugate and produces a distinctive new absorption band at 534 nm. The complex is quite hydrophilic, which suggests that CB7 can be used as a supramolecular additive to solubilize this new family of NIR azobenzene-cyanine conjugates for future biomedical applications. Since many azobenzene compounds are themselves potential drug candidates or theranostic agents, it should be possible to formulate many of them as CB7 inclusion complexes with improved solubility, stability, and pharmaceutical profile.

Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Azobenzene Derivatives Modified with an (Amino)naphthalene Moiety

The design of two-photon absorbing azobenzene (AB) derivatives has received much attention; however, the two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of bis-conjugated azobenzene systems are relatively less explored. Here, we present the synthesis of six azobenzene derivatives and three bis-azobenzenes substituted (or not) at para position(s) with one or two amino group(s). Their linear and nonlinear absorption properties are studied experimentally and theoretically. The switching behavior and thermal stability of the Z-isomer are studied for unsubstituted mono- (1a, 2a) and bis-azobenzene (3a) compounds, showing that when the length of the π system increases, the half-life of the Z-isomer decreases. Moreover, along with the increase of π-conjugation, the photochromic characteristics are impaired and the photostationary state (PSS) related to E-Z photoisomerization is composed of 89% of the Z-isomer for 2a and 26% of the Z-isomer for 3a. Importantly, the 2PA cross-section increases almost five-fold on extending the π-conjugation (2a vs 3a) and by about one order of magnitude when comparing two systems: the unsubstituted π-electron one (2a, 3a) with D-π-D (2c, 3c). This work clarifies the contribution of π-conjugation and substituent effects to the linear and nonlinear optical properties of mono- and bis-azobenzene compounds based on the experimental and theoretical approaches.

Investigation of the Complexation between 4-Aminoazobenzene and Cucurbit[7]uril through a Combined Spectroscopic, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Molecular Simulation Studies

Cucurbiturils are well known for their ability to form supramolecular systems with ultrahigh affinities binding. Inclusion complex between 4-aminoazobenzene and cucurbit[7]uril has been investigated in aqueous solution by ultraviolet (UV)-spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and molecular simulations. 4-aminoazobenzene shows high affinity in acidic solutions while no association was detected in neutral solutions. The thermodynamic properties of complex formation are investigated using both UV spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Our results highlight that the high binding constant between CB7 and 4AA (log K = 4.9) is the result of a large negative change in Δ_r H° (-19 kJ/mol) and a small positive change in TΔ_r S° (9 kJ/mol). The analysis of the experimental data lead to hypothesis on the structure of the complex. We have used molecular dynamics simulation to interpret experiments. Interestingly, the cis-trans isomerization of aminoazobenzene is considered. All the results are discussed and compared with those previously obtained with other host molecules.

Changes in Protonation Sites of 3-Styryl Derivatives of 7-(dialkylamino)-aza-coumarin Dyes Induced by Cucurbit[7]uril

The incorporation of a guest, with different basic sites, into an organized system (host), such as macrocycles, could stabilize, detect, or promote the formation of a certain protomer. In this context, this work aimed to study the influence of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) on dyes such as 7-(dimethylamino)-aza-coumarins, which have more than one basic site along their molecular structure. For this, three 3-styryl derivatives of 7-(dialkylamino)-aza-coumarin dyes (SAC1-3) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, ESI-HRMS and IR. The spectral behaviour of the SACs in the absence and presence of CB7 was studied. The results showed large shifts in the UV-vis spectrum in acid medium: a hypsochromic shift of ≈5400 cm⁻¹ (SAC1-2) and ≈3500 cm⁻¹ (SAC3) in the absence of CB7 and a bathochromic shift of ≈4500 cm⁻¹ (SAC1-3) in the presence of CB7. The new absorptions at long and short wavelengths were assigned to the corresponding protomers by computational calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level. Additionally, the binding mode was corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations. Findings revealed that in the presence of CB7 the heterocyclic nitrogen was preferably protonated instead of the dialkylamino group. Namely, CB7 induces a change in the protonation preference at the basic sites of the SACs, as consequence of the molecular recognition by the macrocycle.

Synthesis, Characterization and Host-Guest Complexation of Asplatin: Improved In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility as Compared to Cisplatin

Para-sulfocalix[n]arenes are promising host molecules that can accommodate various chemotherapeutic drugs. Pt(IV)-based complexes, including satraplatin and asplatin, are promising alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of Pt(II) complexes. In this study, asplatin has been synthesized by fusing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and cisplatin. Furthermore, it has been characterized using 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and UHPLC. A host-guest complex of asplatin and p-sulfocalix[4]arene (PSC4) has been developed and characterized using UV, Job's plot analysis, HPLC, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and computational investigations propose that a 1:1 complex between asplatin and PSC4 is formed. The stability constant of the designed complex has been determined using Job's plot and UHPLC and computed to be 9.1 × 104 M-1 and 8.7 × 104 M-1, which corresponds to a free energy of complexation of -6.8 kcal mol-1, while the calculated value for the inclusion free energy is -13.2 kcal mol-1. Both experimentally and theoretically estimated complexation free energy show that a stable host-guest complex can be formed in solution. The in vitro drug release study displayed the ability of the complex to release its cargo at a cancerous pH (pH of 5.5). Additionally, the asplatin/PSC4 complex is shown to be biocompatible when tested on human skin fibroblast noncancerous cells, demonstrating the highest in vitro cytotoxic activity against (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and lung cancer cells (A-549), with IC50 values of 0.75, 2.15, and 3.60 µg/mL, respectively. This is as compared to either cisplatin (IC50 of 5.47, 5.94 and 9.61 µg/mL, respectively) or asplatin (IC50 of 1.54, 5.05 and 3.91 µg/mL, respectively). On the other hand, the free asplatin exhibited higher cytotoxicity on cancerous cells and lower toxicity on noncancerous cells. The outcomes of the present joint theoretical and experimental investigation reinforce the interest in platinum-based anticancer therapeutics when they are protected from undesired interactions and suggest the use of the PSC4 macromolecule as a promising carrier for Pt(IV) anticancer drugs. The formed asplatin/PSC4 inclusion complex may represent an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

Betaine host-guest complexation with a calixarene receptor: enhanced in vitro anticancer effect

p-Sulfonatocalix[n]arenes have shown excellent potential for accommodating chemotherapeutic drugs through host-guest complexation and enhancing their anticancer activity. Betaine has been reported to exert an anticancer effect at high concentrations. In order to increase its concentration in cancer cells, we have complexed it with p-SC4, which releases its content in an acidic environment typical of cancer tissue. In this work, a host-guest complex of the chemically stable, natural, and safe active methyl donor (betaine) and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes (p-SC4) was designed and characterized using 1H NMR, UV, Job's plot analysis, DFT calculations, and molecular modeling for use in cancer therapeutics. The peak amplitude of the prepared host-guest complexes was linearly proportional to the concentration of betaine in the range of 1.0 × 10-5 M-1 to 2.5 × 10-4 M-1. The reaction stoichiometry between p-SC4 and betaine in the formed complex was 1 : 1. The stability constant for the complex is 8.9 × 104 M-1 which corresponds to a complexation free energy of -6.74 kcal mol-1. Complexation between betaine and p-SC4 was found to involve the insertion of the trimethylammonium group of betaine into the p-SC4 cavity, as supported by the experimental data. The complex displayed enhanced cytotoxic activities against breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) compared to free betaine. In conclusion, the host-guest complexation of betaine with p-SC4 increases its concentration in cancer cells, which warrants further investigation for cancer therapy.

Indicator displacement assays (IDAs): the past, present and future

Indicator displacement assays (IDAs) offer a unique and innovative approach to molecular sensing. This Tutorial review discusses the basic concepts of each IDA strategy and illustrates their use in sensing applications.

Host-Guest Complexation of Oxaliplatin and Para-Sulfonatocalix[n]Arenes for Potential Use in Cancer Therapy

P-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes have demonstrated a great potential for encapsulation of therapeutic drugs via host-guest complexation to improve solubility, stability, and bioavailability of encapsulated drugs. In this work, guest-host complexes of a third-generation anticancer drug (oxaliplatin) and p-4-sulfocalix[n]arenes (n = 4 and 6; p-SC4 and p-SC6, respectively) were prepared and investigated, using 1H NMR, UV, Job's plot analysis, and DFT calculations, for use as cancer therapeutics. The peak amplitude of the prepared host-guest complexes was linearly proportional to the concentration of oxaliplatin in the range of 1.0 × 10-5 M-1 to 2.1 × 10-4 M-1. The reaction stoichiometry between either p-SC4 or p-SC6 and oxaliplatin in the formed complexes was 1:1. The stability constants for the complexes were 5.07 × 104 M-1 and 6.3 × 104 M-1. These correspond to complexation free energy of -6.39 and -6.52 kcal/mol for p-SC4 and p-SC6, respectively. Complexation between oxaliplatin and p-SC4 or p-SC6 was found to involve hydrogen bonds. Both complexes exhibited enhanced biological and high cytotoxic activities against HT-29 colorectal cells and MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma compared to free oxaliplatin, which warrants further investigation for cancer therapy.

Experimental and Computational Investigations of Carboplatin Supramolecular Complexes

Supramolecular systems (macromolecules), such as calix[n]arenes (SCn), cyclodextrins (CDs), and cucurbiturils (CBs), are promising vehicles for anticancer drugs. In this work, guest-host complexes of carboplatin, a second-generation platinum-based anticancer drug, and p-4-sulfocalix[n]arenes (n = 4 and 6; PS4 and PS6, respectively) were prepared and studied using ¹H NMR, UV, Job's plot analysis, HPLC, and density-functional theory calculations. The experimental and the computational studies suggest the formation of 1:1 complexes between carboplatin and each of PS4 and PS6. The stability constants of the formed complexes were estimated to be 5.3 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 9.8 × 10⁴ M^-1, which correspond to free energy of complexation of -6.40 and -6.81 kcal mol^-1, in the case of PS4 and PS6, respectively. The interaction free energy depends on the different inclusion modes of carboplatin in the host cavities. UV-vis findings and atoms in molecules analysis showed that hydrogen bond interactions stabilize the host-guest complexes without the full inclusion in the host cavity. The in vitro anticancer study revealed that both complexes exhibited stronger anticancer activities against breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and lung cancer cells (A-549) compared to free carboplatin, preluding to their potential use in cancer therapy.

Supramolecular Hydrogels via Light-Responsive Homoternary Cross-Links

Host-guest physical cross-linking has been used to prepare supramolecular hydrogels for various biomedical applications. More recent efforts to endow these materials with stimuli-responsivity offers an opportunity to precisely tune their function for a target use. In the context of light-responsive materials, azobenzenes are one prevailing motif. Here, an asymmetric azobenzene was explored for its ability to form homoternary complexes with the cucurbit[8]uril macrocycle, exhibiting an affinity (K_eq) of 6.21 × 10¹⁰ M^-2 for sequential binding, though having negative cooperativity. Copolymers were first prepared from different and tunable ratios of NIPAM and DMAEA, and DMAEA groups were then postsynthetically modified with this asymmetric azobenzene. Upon macrocycle addition, these polymers formed supramolecular hydrogels; relaxation dynamics increased with temperature due to temperature-dependent affinity reduction for the ternary complex. Application of UV light disrupted the supramolecular motif through azobenzene photoisomerization, prompting a gel-to-sol transition in the hydrogel. Excitingly, within several minutes at room temperature, thermal relaxation of azobenzene to its trans state afforded rapid hydrogel recovery. By revealing this supramolecular motif and employing facile means for its attachment onto pre-synthesized polymers, the approach described here may further enable stimuli-directed control of supramolecular hydrogels for a number of applications.

Orally administered mesoporous silica capped with the cucurbit[8]uril complex to combat colitis and improve intestinal homeostasis by targeting the gut microbiota

RATIONALE

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are still awaiting innovative treatments that can maximize the efficiency of site-specific drug release in the colon while enhancing intestinal homeostasis.

METHODS

Herein, we present multilayer-coated mesoporous silica (MSs) which release payload drugs specifically in the colon tract in the presence of azoreductase produced by the gut microbiota, and simultaneously rejuvenate the tryptophan metabolism of the microbiome to induce activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) for increased anti-inflammatory effects. The MSs were prepared by using cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) as a supramolecular "handcuff" to assemble chitosan/hyaluronic acid multilayers on the periphery of a mesoporous silica core.

RESULTS

Strikingly, although MSs remained fairly stable in both acidic and neutral pH, they exhibited excellent responsiveness towards dithionite, an azo-reducing agent employed as a substitute to mimic the specific azoreductase environment in vitro. In comparison with the drug in its free form, hydrocortisone-loaded MSs showed optimized accumulation of therapeutics in the colonic mucosa with minimized premature release in the upper gastrointestinal tract in in vivo imaging and biodistribution studies. The enhanced therapeutic effects of MSs were confirmed in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice with promoted colonic epithelial barrier integrity, elevated level of AHR agonists and modulated production of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed that the disrupted gut homeostasis of colitic mice was partly corrected by MSs.

CONCLUSION

This novel drug delivery system using self-assembly of tryptophan-functionalized chitosan, which was precomplexed with CB[8], and azobenzene-functionalized hyaluronic acid on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles provides a synergistic gut microbiota-targeting approach for IBD therapy.

Exploring pH Dependent Host/Guest Binding Affinities

When the electrostatic environment surrounding binding partners changes between unbound and bound states, the net uptake or release of a proton is possible by either binding partner. This process is pH-dependent in that the free energy required to uptake or release the proton varies with pH. This pH-dependence is typically not considered in conventional free energy methods where the use of fixed protonation states is the norm. In the present paper, we apply a simple two-step approach to calculate the pH-dependent binding free energy of a model cucubit[7]uril host/guest system. By use of λ-dynamics with an enhanced sampling protocol, adaptive landscape flattening, pK_a shifts and reference binding free energies upon complexation were determined. This information enables the construction of pH-dependent binding profiles that accurately capture the pK_a shifts and reproduce binding free energies at the different pH conditions that were observed experimentally. Our calculations illustrate a general framework for computing pH-dependent binding free energies but also point to some issues in modeling the molecular charge distributions within this series of molecules with CGenFF. However, by introducing some minor charge modifications to the CGenFF force field, we saw significant improvement in accuracy of the calculated pK_a shifts.

Control of Photoisomerization of an Azoazacryptand by Anion Binding and Cucurbit[8]uril Encapsulation in an Aqueous Solution

Control of isomerization of a receptor bearing multiple light-switchable subunits in a confined space is critical for the design of synthetic molecular machines. Toward this goal, a new azacryptand containing three azobenzene subunits has been developed, and its photoisomerization in an aqueous solution has been studied depending on anion coordination and recognition by a larger host-cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). The cryptand in its hexaprotonated form shows considerable affinity for fluoride and perchlorate, which in turn affects the isomer distribution of the receptor under UV-light irradiation, stabilizing the isomers of the cryptand with Z-configurations. CB[8] was found to be able to encapsulate the isomers of the cryptand by forming a Matryoshka-type complex. The irradiation of a 10:1 CB[8]-cryptand mixture has led to a selective conversion of the cryptand to the E,E,Z isomer inside CB[8]. It has been demonstrated that the addition of fluoride to the resulted complex induces the release of the cryptand as a major E,E,E isomer, while other studied anions were ineffective in this reaction. To our knowledge, this work presents a first example of a host-controlled photoisomerization of an anion receptor bearing multiple switching azobenzenes that model the function of naturally occurring chaperones.

pH-stimulus response dye-cucurbituril sensor for amino acids in aqueous solution

The host-guest inclusion complexes that comprise an inverted cucurbit[7]uril (iQ[7]) and a quinoline derivative, 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl) quinoline (DSQ) at different pHs were exploited as multiple supramolecular sensors to sense l-α-amino acids. DSQ complexation inside iQ[7] at different pHs leads to increased fluorescence and formation of different-colored iQ[7]-DSQ complexes. The enhanced fluorescence of DSQ after iQ[7] encapsulation may be attributed to limited dimethylamine rotation and the formation of a twisted internal charge transfer (TICT) state. The DSQ@iQ[7] sensors have different affinities for l-α-amino acids at different pHs. Therefore, we propose a pH-stimulus response supramolecular sensor for the discrimination of structurally similar l-α-amino acids in aqueous solution.

Thermodynamics of Supramolecular Associations with Macrocyclic Water-Soluble Hosts

The thermodynamic study of the complexation of the β-cyclodextrins and p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (CnS) with the 4-aminoazobenzene was reported and was carried out by molecular dynamics simulations. We determined the whole thermodynamic properties (K, Δr G°, Δr H°, and TΔr S°) using the potential of mean force (PMF) technique and more precisely the adaptive biasing force method. Depending on both the nature of the host molecule and the pH of the solution, the PMF profiles present different shapes and energy minima. Considering the complexity of these PMF profiles, we are also interested in the structural properties of these associations. Hence, we calculated hydrogen bonds, Lennard-Jones and electrostatic energies, the number of atoms of the guest molecule inserted inside the cagelike host molecule, and the number of water molecules expelled from the cavity.

Reversing Chemoselectivity: Simultaneous Positive and Negative Catalysis by Chemically Equivalent Rims of a Cucurbit[7]uril Host

Enzyme catalysis has always been an inspiration and an unattainable goal for chemists due to features such as high specificity, selectivity, and efficiency. Here, we disclose a feature neither common in enzymes nor ever described for enzyme mimics, but one that could prove crucial for the catalytic performance of the latter, namely the ability to catalyze and inhibit two different reactions at the same time. Remarkably, this can be realized by two identical, spatially resolved catalytic sites. In the future, such a synchronized catalyst action could be used not only for controlling chemoselectivity, as in the present case, but also for regulating other types of chemical reactivity.

Associations of Water-Soluble Macrocyclic Hosts with 4-Aminoazobenzene: Impact of pH

An investigation of the pH effect on the inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrins and calixarenesulfonates with 4-aminoazobenzene was conducted both by experiments and molecular simulations. The whole thermodynamic characterizations of the association between hosts and 4-aminoazobenzene ( K, Δ_r G⁰, Δ_r H⁰, and TΔ_r S⁰) were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. β-Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes are not affected by pH change unlike those obtained with calixarenes. All the studied systems were enthalpically favored. Nevertheless, the entropic behavior is different depending on the host. In order to interpret these experimental results, molecular simulations were used to calculate the number of atoms inserted into the cage-like host compounds and the number of water molecules expelled from the cavity.

The chaotropic effect as an orthogonal assembly motif for multi-responsive dodecaborate-cucurbituril supramolecular networks

In aqueous solution, host-guest complexation is frequently driven by the hydrophobic effect, which also constitutes a popular approach in the design of supramolecular assemblies. Herein, we report an orthogonal assembly motif, the chaotropic effect, which exploits the tendency of chaotropic anions to associate with hydrophobic surfaces.

pH-Gated photoresponsive shuttling in a water-soluble pseudorotaxane

Phototriggered ring shuttling in a water-soluble fluorescent pseudorotaxane can be enabled and disabled at different pH values.

Experimental and theoretical study of the inclusion complexes of epinephrine with β-cyclodextrin, 18-crown-6 and cucurbit[7]uril

Experimental and molecular dynamics techniques suggested that stable complexes of epinephrine with 18C6, βCD and CB7 might enhance aggregation.

Barium cation-responsive supra-amphiphile constructed by a new twisted cucurbit[15]uril/paraquat recognition motif in water

A new, strong, and barium cation-responsive host–guest recognition motif based on twisted cucurbit[15]uril and paraquat was established in water.

Photo-responsive Bioactive Surfaces Based on Cucurbit[8]uril-Mediated Host-Guest Interactions of Arylazopyrazoles

A photoswitchable arylazopyrazole (AAP) derivative binds with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and methylviologen (MV²⁺) to form a 1:1:1 heteroternary host–guest complex with a binding constant of K_a=2×10³  m⁻¹. The excellent photoswitching properties of AAP are preserved in the inclusion complex. Irradiation with light of a wavelength of 365 and 520 nm leads to quantitative E‐ to Z‐ isomerization and vice versa, respectively. Formation of the Z‐isomer leads to dissociation of the complex as evidenced using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. AAP derivatives are then used to immobilize bioactive molecules and photorelease them on demand. When Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐AAP (AAP–RGD) peptides are attached to surface bound CB[8]/MV²⁺ complexes, cells adhere and can be released upon irradiation. The heteroternary host–guest system offers highly reversible binding properties due to efficient photoswitching and these properties are attractive for designing smart surfaces.

Helianthus-like cucurbit[4]uril and cucurbit[5]uril analogues

Two cucurbituril-like macrocycles were synthesized by condensing cyclopentano-substituted propanediurea with formaldehyde in the presence and absence of Ca²⁺.

Cucurbit[8]uril-mediated supramolecular photoswitching for self-preservation of mesoporous silica nanoparticle delivery system

The self peptide was introduced into the drug loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle surface through a supramolecular photoswitchable heteroternary complexation, leading to photosensitive drug release.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Coated by Layer-by-Layer Self-assembly Using Cucurbit[7]uril for in Vitro and in Vivo Anticancer Drug Release

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising solid supports for controlled anticancer drug delivery. Herein, we report biocompatible layer-by-layer (LbL) coated MSNs (LbL-MSNs) that are designed and crafted to release encapsulated anticancer drugs, e.g., doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), by changing the pH or by adding competitive agents. The LbL coating process comprises bis-aminated poly(glycerol methacrylate)s (BA-PGOHMAs) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), where CB[7] serves as a molecular bridge holding two different bis-aminated polymeric layers together by means of host-guest interactions. This integrated nanosystem is tuned to respond under specific acidic conditions or by adding adamantaneamine hydrochloride (AH), attributed to the competitive binding of hydronium ions or AH to CB[7] with BA-PGOHMAs. These LbL-MSN hybrids possess excellent biostability, negligible premature drug leakage at pH 7.4, and exceptional stimuli-responsive drug release performance. The pore sizes of the MSNs and bis-aminated compounds (different carbon numbers) of BA-PGOHMAs have been optimized to provide effective integrated nanosystems for the loading and release of DOX. Significantly, the operating pH for the controlled release of DOX matches the acidifying endosomal compartments of HeLa cancer cells, suggesting that these hybrid nanosystems are good candidates for autonomous anticancer drug nanocarriers actuated by intracellular pH changes without any invasive external stimuli. The successful cellular uptake and release of cargo, e.g., propidium iodide (PI), in human breast cancer cell line MDA-231 from PI-loaded LbL-MSNs have been confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), while the cytotoxicities of DOX-loaded LbL-MSNs have been quantified by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) viability assay against HeLa cell lines and fibroblast L929 cell lines. The uptake of DOX-loaded LbL-MSNs by macrophages can be efficiently reduced by adding biocompatible hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) or CB[7] without destroying the capping. In vivo tumor-growth inhibition experiments with BALB/c nude mice demonstrated a highly efficient tumor-growth inhibition rate of DOX-loaded LbL-MSNs, suggesting that the novel type of LbL-MSN materials hold great potentials in anticancer drug delivery.

Stimuli responsive systems constructed using cucurbit[n]uril-type molecular containers

Conspectus This Account focuses on stimuli responsive systems that function in aqueous solution using examples drawn from the work of the Isaacs group using cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecular containers as key recognition elements. Our entry into the area of stimuli responsive systems began with the preparation of glycoluril derived molecular clips that efficiently distinguish between self and nonself by H-bonds and π-π interactions even within complex mixtures and therefore undergo self-sorting. We concluded that the selectivity of a wide variety of H-bonded supramolecular assemblies was higher than previously appreciated and that self-sorting is not exceptional behavior. This lead us to examine self-sorting within the context of CB[n] host-guest chemistry in water. We discovered that CB[n] homologues (CB[7] and CB[8]) display remarkably high binding affinity (Ka up to 10(17) M(-1)) and selectivity (ΔΔG) toward their guests, which renders CB[n]s prime components for the construction of stimuli responsive host-guest systems. The CB[7]·adamantaneammonium ion complex, which is particularly privileged (Ka = 4.2 × 10(12) M(-1)), was introduced by us as a stimulus to trigger constitutional changes in multicomponent self-sorting systems. For example, we describe how the free energy associated with the formation of host-guest complexes of CB[n]-type receptors can drive conformational changes of included guests like triazene-arylene foldamers and cationic calix[4]arenes, as well as induced conformational changes (e.g., ammonium guest size dependent homotropic allostery, metal ion triggered folding, and heterochiral dimerization) of the hosts themselves. Many guests display large pKa shifts within their CB[n]-guest complexes, which we used to promote pH controlled guest swapping and thermal trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene derivatives. We also used the high affinity and selectivity of CB[7] toward its guests to outcompete an enzyme (bovine carbonic anhydrase) for a two-faced inhibitor, which allowed stimuli responsive regulation of enzymatic activity. These results prompted us to examine the use of CB[n]-type receptors in both in vitro and in vivo biological systems. We demonstrated that adamantaneammonium ion can be used to intracellularly sequester CB[7] from gold nanoparticles passivated with hexanediammonium ion·CB[7] complexes and thereby trigger cytotoxicity. CB[7] derivatives bearing a biotin targeting group enhance the cytotoxicity of encapsulated oxaliplatin toward L1210FR cells. Finally, acyclic CB[n]-type receptors function as solubilizing excipients for insoluble drugs for drug delivery purposes and as a broad spectrum reversal agent for the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium, vecuronium, and cis-atracurium in rats. The work highlights the great potential for integration of CB[n]-type receptors with biological systems.

Acyclic CB[n]-type molecular containers: effect of solubilizing group on their function as solubilizing excipients

We report the synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of three acyclic CB[n]-type molecular containers (2a, 2h, 2f) that differ in the charge on their solubilizing groups (SO3(−), OH, NH3(+)). The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 2h and 2f reveal a self-folding of the ArOCH2CH2X wall into the cavity driven by π–π interactions, H-bonds and ion–dipole interactions. The need to reverse this self-folding phenomenon upon guest binding decreases the affinity of 2h and 2f toward cationic guests in water relative to 2a as revealed by direct (1)H NMR and UV/Vis titrations as well as UV/Vis competition experiments. We determined the pKa of 6-aminocoumarin 7 (pKa = 3.6) on its own and in the presence anionic, neutral, and cationic hosts (2a: pKa = 4.9; 2h: pKa = 4.1; 2f, pKa = 3.4) which reflect in part the relevance of direct ion–ion interactions between the arms of the host and the guest toward the recognition properties of acyclic CB[n]-type containers. Finally, we showed that the weaker binding affinities measured for neutral and positively charged hosts 2h and 2f compared to anionic 2a results in a decreased ability to act as solubilizing agents for either cationic (tamoxifen), neutral (17α-ethynylestradiol), or anionic (indomethacin) drugs in water. The results establish that acyclic CB[n] compounds that bear anionic solubilizing groups are most suitable for development as general purpose solubilizing excipients for insoluble pharmaceutical agents.

Supramolecular complexations of natural products

Complexations of natural products with synthetic receptors as well as the use of natural products as host compounds are reviewed, with an emphasis on possible practical uses or on biomedical significance. Applications such as separation, sensing, enzyme monitoring, and protection of natural drugs are first outlined. We then discuss examples of complexes with all important classes of natural compounds, such as amino acids, peptides, nucleosides/nucleotides, carbohydrates, catecholamines, flavonoids, terpenoids/steroids, alkaloids, antibiotics and toxins.