A microenvironment sensitive pillar[5]arene-based fluorescent probe for cell imaging and drug delivery

Applications of Supramolecular Polymers Generated from Pillar[n]arene-Based Molecules

Supramolecular chemistry enables the manipulation of functional components on a molecular scale, facilitating a "bottom-up" approach to govern the sizes and structures of supramolecular materials. Using dynamic non-covalent interactions, supramolecular polymers can create materials with reversible and degradable characteristics and the abilities to self-heal and respond to external stimuli. Pillar[n]arene represents a novel class of macrocyclic hosts, emerging after cyclodextrins, crown ethers, calixarenes, and cucurbiturils. Its significance lies in its distinctive structure, comparing an electron-rich cavity and two finely adjustable rims, which has sparked considerable interest. Furthermore, the straightforward synthesis, uncomplicated functionalization, and remarkable properties of pillar[n]arene based on supramolecular interactions make it an excellent candidate for material construction, particularly in generating interpenetrating supramolecular polymers. Polymers resulting from supramolecular interactions involving pillar[n]arene find potential in various applications, including fluorescence sensors, substance adsorption and separation, catalysis, light-harvesting systems, artificial nanochannels, and drug delivery. In this context, we provide an overview of these recent frontier research fields in the use of pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular polymers, which serves as a source of inspiration for the creation of innovative functional polymer materials derived from pillar[n]arene derivatives.

Core-shell inorganic NP@MOF nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and multimodal imaging-guided combination tumor treatment

It is well known that metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have unique characteristics such as high porosity, large surface areas and adjustable functionalities, so they are ideal candidates for developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) as well as theranostic platforms in cancer treatment. Despite the large number of MOF nanostructures that have been discovered, conventional MOF-derived nanosystems only have a single biofunctional MOF source with poor colloidal stability. Accordingly, developing core-shell MOF nanostructures with good colloidal stability is a useful method for generating efficient drug delivery, multimodal imaging and synergistic therapeutic systems. The preparation of core-shell MOF nanostructures has been done with a variety of materials, but inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are highly effective for drug delivery and imaging-guided tumor treatment. Herein, we aimed to overview the synthesis of core-shell inorganic NP@MOF nanostructures followed by the application of core-shell MOFs derived from magnetic, quantum dots (QDs), gold (Au), and gadolinium (Gd) NPs in drug delivery and imaging-guided tumor treatment. Afterward, we surveyed different factors affecting prolonged drug delivery and cancer therapy, cellular uptake, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect of core-shell MOFs. Last but not least, we discussed the challenges and the prospects of the field. We envision this article may hold great promise in providing valuable insights regarding the application of hybrid nanostructures as promising and potential candidates for multimodal imaging-guided combination cancer therapy.

Supramolecular Design Strategy of a Water-Soluble Diphenylguanidine-Cyclodextrin Polymer Inclusion Complex

Diphenylguanidine (DPG) is a widely used secondary accelerator for the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) latex. However, its low water solubility and high toxicity limit its use in high-end NR products. In this study, a water-soluble inclusion complex of DPG and a β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CDP), termed DPG-β-CDP, was prepared through supramolecular interactions and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy techniques. In comparison with that of DPG, the water solubility of DPG-β-CDP was greatly enhanced because of the water-soluble host molecule. The molar ratio of DPG to the CD unit in β-CDP was determined to be 1:1. At 25 °C, the binding constant of DPG-β-CDP was found to be 9.2 × 10⁵ L/mol by UV-vis spectroscopy. The proposed method for forming inclusion complexes with high potential for use as water-soluble vulcanization accelerators is promising.