In Situ Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis Mediated by a Water-Soluble Leaning Pillar[6]arene for Self-Assembly, Detection, and Catalysis

Pillararene-Based Stimuli-Responsive Supramolecular Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Cancer poses a significant challenge to global public health, seriously threatening human health and life. Although various therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy, phototherapy, and starvation therapy, are applied to cancer treatment, their limited therapeutic effect, severe side effects, and unsatisfactory drug release behavior need to be carefully considered. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop efficient drug delivery strategies for improving cancer treatment efficacy and realizing on-demand drug delivery. Notably, pillararenes, as an emerging class of supramolecular macrocycles, possess unique properties of highly tunable structures, superior host-guest chemistry, facile modification, and good biocompatibility, which are widely used in cancer therapy to achieve controllable drug release and reduce the toxic side effects on normal tissues under various internal/external stimuli conditions. This review summarizes the recent advance of stimuli-responsive supramolecular delivery systems (SDSs) based on pillararenes for tumor therapy from the perspectives of different assembly methods and hybrid materials, including molecular-scale SDSs, supramolecular nano self-assembly delivery systems, and nanohybrid SDSs. Moreover, the prospects and critical challenges of stimuli-responsive SDSs based on pillararenes for cancer therapy are also discussed.

Pillararene-Based Supramolecular Polymers for Adsorption and Separation

Supramolecular polymers have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their perfect combination of supramolecular chemistry and traditional polymer chemistry. The design and synthesis of macrocycles have driven the rapid development of supramolecular chemistry and polymer science. Pillar[n]arenes, a new generation of macrocyclic compounds possessing unique pillar-shaped structures, nano-sized cavities, multi-functionalized groups, and excellent host-guest complexation abilities, are promising candidates to construct supramolecular polymer materials with enhanced properties and functionalities. This review summarizes recent progress in the design and synthesis of pillararene-based supramolecular polymers (PSPs) and illustrates their diverse applications as adsorption and separation materials. All performances are evaluated and analyzed in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and recyclability. Typically, PSPs can be categorized into three typical types according to their topologies, including linear, cross-linked, and hybrid structures. The advances made in the area of functional supramolecular polymeric adsorbents formed by new pillararene derivatives are also described in detail. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives of PSPs for separation-based materials science are discussed. This review will inspire researchers in different fields and stimulate creative designs of supramolecular polymeric materials based on pillararenes and other macrocycles for effective adsorption and separation of a variety of targets.

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.

Monoclonal antibody as a targeting mediator for nanoparticle targeted delivery system for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer after breast cancer. It ranks first in terms of mortality rate among all types of cancer. Lung cancer therapies are still being developed, one of which makes use of nanoparticle technology. However, conjugation with specific ligands capable of delivering drugs more precisely to cancer sites is still required to enhance nanoparticle targeting performance. Monoclonal antibodies are one type of mediator that can actively target nanoparticles. Due to the large number of antigens on the surface of cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies are widely used to deliver nanoparticles and improve drug targeting to cancer cells. Unfortunately, these antibodies have some drawbacks, such as rapid elimination, which results in a short half-life and ineffective dose. As a result, many of them are formulated in nanoparticles to minimize their major drawbacks and enhance drug targeting. This review summarizes and discusses articles on developing and applying various types of monoclonal antibody ligand nanoparticles as lung cancer target drugs. This review will serve as a guide for the choice of nanoparticle systems containing monoclonal antibody ligands for drug delivery in lung cancer therapy.

Pillararene-Inspired Macrocycles: From Extended Pillar[n]arenes to Geminiarenes

chemistry since their establishment due to their innate functional features of molecular recognition and complexation. The rapid development of modern supramolecular chemistry has also significantly benefited from creating new macrocycles with distinctive geometries and properties. For instance, pillar[n]arenes (pillarenes), a relatively young generation of star macrocyclic hosts among the well-established ones (e.g., crown ethers, cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, and calixarenes), promoted a phenomenal research hotspot all over the world in the past decade. Although the synthesis, host-guest properties, and various supramolecular functions of pillarenes have been intensively studied, many objective limitations and challenges still cannot be ignored. For example, high-level pillar[n]arenes (n > 7) usually do not possess applicable large-sized cavities due to structural folding and cannot be synthesized on a large scale because of the uncompetitive cyclization process. Furthermore, two functional groups must be covalently para-connected to each repeating phenylene unit, which severely limits their structural diversity and flexibility. In this context, we have developed a series of pillarene-inspired macrocycles (PIMs) using a versatile and modular synthetic strategy during the past few years, aiming to break through the synthetic limitations in traditional pillarenes and find new opportunities and challenges in supramolecular chemistry and beyond. Specifically, by grafting biphenyl units into the pillarene backbones, extended pillar[n]arenes with rigid and nanometer-sized cavities could be obtained with reasonable synthetic yields by selectively removing hydroxy/alkoxy substitutes on pillarene backbones, leaning pillar[6]arenes and leggero pillar[n]arenes with enhanced structural flexibility and cavity adaptability were obtained. By combining the two types of bridging modes in pillarenes and calixarenes, a smart macrocyclic receptor with two different but interconvertible conformational features, namely geminiarene, was discovered. Benefiting from the synthetic accessibility, facile functionalization, and superior host-guest properties in solution or the solid state, this new family of macrocycles has exhibited a broad range of applications, including but not limited to supramolecular assembly/gelation/polymers, pollutant detection and separation, porous organic polymers, crystalline/amorphous molecular materials, hybrid materials, and controlled drug delivery. Thus, in this Account, we summarize our research efforts on these PIMs. We first present an overview of their design and modular synthesis and a summary of their derivatization strategies. Thereafter, particular attention is paid to their structural features, supramolecular functions, and application exploration. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives are outlined for their future development. We hope that this Account and our works can stimulate further advances in synthetic macrocyclic chemistry and supramolecular functional systems, leading to practical applications in various research areas.

Gold nanoparticle functionalized nanopipette sensors for electrochemical paraquat detection

A sensitive nanopipette sensor is established through a unique design of host-guest recognition, which could be further enhanced by the introduction of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Generally, the nanopipette is conjugated with caboxylatopillar[5]arenes (CP[5]) or carboxylated leaning pillar[6]arene (CLP[6]) to generate recognition sites. After the addition of pesticide molecules, they would be captured by CP[5] (or CLP[6]), resulting in a significant electronegativity change on the nanopipette's inner surface, which could be determined by the ionic current change. The CP[5]-modified nanopipette exhibited reliable selectivity for paraquat, while the CLP[6]-modified nanopipette showed an ability of detection for both paraquat and diquat. The addition of Au NPs improved the selectivity and sensitivity of the CP[5]-Au NP-modified nanopipette for paraquat sensing. After optimization by lowering the size of the Au NPs, CP[5]-Au NPs (3 nm)-modified nanopipettes achieved lower detection limits of 0.034 nM for paraquat. Furthermore, in real sample analysis, this sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. This study provides a new strategy to develop nanopipette sensors for practical small molecule detection. The gold nanoparticles enhanced quartz nanopipette sensor based on host-guest interaction was firstly established, which could achieve an excellent limit of detection of 3.4 × 10^-11 mol/L for paraquat.

Silver nanoparticles modified by water-soluble leaning tower[6]arenes for sensing and catalysis

A carboxylated leaning tower[6]arene sodium salt is used as an efficient stabiliser for the one-pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The resulting hybrid material with good dispersion, excellent stability and narrow size distribution could serve as a multifunctional platform for sensing and catalysis applications.

A hydroxy-containing three dimensional covalent organic framework bearing silver nanoparticles for reduction of 4-nitrophenol and degradation of organic dyes

A hydroxy-containing three dimensional covalent organic framework bearing Ag nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and degradation of methylene blue and Congo red.

MOF-based multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular nanoplatform equipped with macrocycle nanovalves for plant growth regulation

Controllable and on-demand delivery of agrochemicals such as plant hormones is conducive to improving agrochemicals utilization, tackling water and environmental pollution, reducing soil acidification, and realizing the goals of precision agriculture. Herein, a smart plant hormone delivery system based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and supramolecular nanovalves, namely gibberellin (GA)-loaded CLT6@PCN-Q, is constructed through supramolecular host-guest interaction to regulate the growth of dicotyledonous Chinese cabbage and monocotyledonous wheat. The porous nanoscale MOF (NMOF) with a uniform diameter of 97 nm modified by quaternary ammonium (Q) stalks is served as a cargo reservoir, followed by the decoration of carboxylated leaning tower[6]arene (CLT6) based nanovalves on NMOF surfaces through host-guest interactions to fabricate CLT6@PCN-Q with a diameter of ∼101 nm and a zeta potential value of -13.2 mV. Interestingly, the as-fabricated supramolecular nanoplatform exhibits efficient cargo loading and multi-stimuli-responsive release under various external stimuli including pH, temperature, and competitive agent spermine (SPM), which can realize the on-demand release of cargo. In addition, GA-loaded CLT6@PCN-Q is capable of effectively promoting the seeds germination of wheat and stem growth of dicotyledonous Chinese cabbage and monocotyledonous wheat (1.86 and 1.30 times of control groups, respectively). The smart supramolecular nanoplatform based on MOFs and supramolecular nanovalves paves a way for the controlled delivery of plant hormones and other agrochemicals for promoting plant growth, offering new insights and methods to realize precision agriculture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To achieve controllable and sustainable release of cargos such as agrochemicals, a smart MOF-based multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular nanoplatform equipped with supramolecular nanovalves was fabricated via the host-guest interaction between quaternary ammonium stalks-functionalized nanoMOFs and water-soluble leaning tower[6]arene. The as-prepared supramolecular nanoplatform with uniform diameter distribution demonstrated good cargo release in response to various external stimuli. The installation of synthetic macrocycles could effectively reduce cargo loss in the pre-treatment process. This type of supramolecular nanoplatform exhibited good promoting effect on seed germination and plant growth dicotyledonous Chinese cabbage and monocotyledonous wheat. As an eco-friendly, controlled, and efficient cargo delivery system, this supramolecular nanoplatform will be a promising candidate in precision agriculture and controlled drug release to attract the broad readership.

Controlled Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles with Size-Dependent Catalytic Activities Enabled by Organic Molecular Cages

Particle size plays a key role in the performance of metal nanoparticles (MNPs). However, the size-controlled synthesis of MNPs still represents a challenging task. In this work, we revealed a strong solvent effect on the growth of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs), which was directed by a porous [2 + 3] organic molecular cage (OMC, Phos-cage) containing triphenylphosphine moieties. PdNPs with different average diameters of 0.8, 1.2, and 3.3 nm supported by Phos-cage were obtained by simply varying the reaction media. The catalytic performance of such ultrafine PdNPs in the reduction of p-nitrophenol and a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction has been studied, which clearly shows size-dependent catalytic activity and stability. The knowledge gained in this study, controlling the size of PdNPs supported by the OMC template in different solvents, will open new possibilities for size-controlled synthesis of ultrafine MNPs with high catalytic activity and stability.

Multifunctional Pillar[n]arene-Based Smart Nanomaterials

The construction of smart nanomaterials from host macrocycles that are responsive to specific stimuli has gained significant attention in recent years. The application of pillar[n]arenes has been of particular interest given their ease of functionalization and tunability of the intrinsic cavity electronic properties that allows them to encapsulate a great variety of guests and complex with metal ions with high selectivity via noncovalent interactions, endowing them with captivating properties and functions. Herein, we present the most recent advances in the design and functionalization of pillar[n]arene-based smart nanomaterials, and their applications for sensing, catalysis, drug delivery, and artificial transmembrane channels.

Water-Soluble Noble Metal Nanoparticle Catalysts Capped with Small Organic Molecules for Organic Transformations in Water

This article recaps a variety of interesting catalytic studies based on solubilized and freely movable noble metal nanoparticle catalysts employed for organic reactions in either pure water or water-organic biphasic systems. Small organic ligand-capped metal nanoparticles are fundamentally attractive materials due to their enormous potential as a well-defined system that can provide spatial control near active catalytic sites. The nanoparticle catalysts are first grouped based on the synthetic method (direct reduction, phase transfer, and redispersion) and then again based on the type of reaction such as alkene hydrogenation, arene hydrogenation, nitroaromatic reduction, carbon-carbon coupling reactions, etc. The impacts of various ligands on the catalytic activity and selectivity of semi-heterogeneous nanoparticles in water are discussed in detail. The catalytic systems using polymers, dendrimers, and ionic liquids as supporting or protecting materials are excluded from the subject of this review.

A supramolecular complex of hydrazide-pillar[5]arene and bisdemethoxycurcumin with potential anti-cancer activity

Pillar[5]arene complexes of the naturally occurring compound bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) were acquired for improving the water solubility and stability of BDMC. As a family member of curcuminoid compounds, BDMC has many interesting therapeutic properties. However, its low aqueous solubility and stability resulted in poor availability and restricted the clinical efficacy. Pillar[5]arenes with hydrophilic ends and a hydrophobic cavity could include with BDMC based on size matching. The synthesized hydrazide-pillar[5]arene (HP5A) and BDMC had a strong host-guest interaction with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, the HP5A ⊃ BDMC complex could self-assemble into well-defined fibers in water/ethanol solution. This supramolecular complex worked well in vitro for inhibiting the proliferation of hepatoma carcinoma cells HepG2. Remarkably, this method of complexation with pillar[5]arenes visibly reduced the undesirable side effects on normal cells without weakening the anti-cancer activity of the drugs. We expected that the obtained host-guest complex and fibrous assembly would provide a promising platform for delivering drugs with low water solubility.

Pillar[6]arene-modified gold nanoparticles grafted on cellulose nanocrystals for the electrochemical detection of bisphenol A

The as-prepared CNCs@CP6-AuNP nanohybrid and its application in sensing BPA.

Role of Functionalized Pillararene Architectures in Supramolecular Catalysis

The many useful features possessed by pillararenes (PAs; e.g. rigid, capacious, and hydrophobic cavities, as well as exposed functional groups) have led to a tremendous increase in their popularity since their first discovery in 2008. In this Minireview, we emphasize the use of functionalized PAs and their assembled supramolecular materials in the field of catalysis. We aim to provide a fundamental understanding and mechanism of the role PAs play in catalytic process. The topics are subdivided into catalysis promoted by the PA rim/cavity, PA-based nanomaterials, and PA-based polymeric materials. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first overview on PA-based catalysis. This Minireview not only summarizes the fabrications and applications of PAs in catalysis but also anticipates future research efforts in applying supramolecular hosts in catalysis.

Nanocomposite Based on Organic Framework-Loading Transition-Metal Co Ion and Cationic Pillar[6]arene and Its Application for Electrochemical Sensing of l-Ascorbic Acid

In this study, we constructed a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing strategy for l-ascorbic acid (AA) based on a covalent organic framework (COF)-loading non-noble transition metal Co ion and macrocyclic cationic pillar[6]arene (CP6) nanocomposite (CP6-COF-Co). The COF plays a crucial role in anchoring the Co ion according to its crystalline porous and multiple coordination sites and has an outstanding performance for building an electrochemical sensing platform based on a unique two-dimensional structure. Accordingly, the transition-metal Co ion can be successfully anchored on the framework of COF and shows strong catalytic activity for the determination of AA. Moreover, introduction of host-guest recognition based on CP6 and AA can bring new properties for enhancing selectivity, sensitivity, and practical application in real environment. Host-guest interactions between CP6 and AA were evaluated by the ¹H NMR spectrum. When compared with other literatures, our method displayed a lower determination limit and broader linear range. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out for the non-noble transition-metal Co ion, COF, and pillar[6]arene hybrid material in sensing field, which has a potential value in sensing, catalysis, and preparation of advanced multifunction materials.

Pillar[n]arene-Based Supramolecular Switches in Solution and on Surfaces

The design and synthesis of new synthetic macrocycles has driven the rapid development of supramolecular chemistry and materials. Pillar[n]arenes, as a new type of macrocyclic compounds, are used as a promising type of building blocks for switchable supramolecular systems due to their versatile functionalization and the ability of binding toward various guest molecules. A number of guests can form inclusion complexes with pillar[n]arenes and their derivatives in solution, which are sensitive to different external triggers. Interestingly, the pursuit of complex stimuli-responsive functional materials and devices has largely motivated the shift of pillar[n]arene-based switches from solution media to surfaces for controllable macroscopic motions on solid platforms. Facilitated by the facile modification of pillar[n]arenes on various solid supports and the dynamic binding of host-guest complexes, numerous functional hybrid materials with adjustable physical or chemical properties and integrated functionalities have been reported in the last decade. Here, the advance of supramolecular switches in solution and on surfaces based on pillar[n]arenes and derivatives with an emphasis on the efforts and the latest contributions from the field is discussed.

Ultrastable and Highly Catalytically Active N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles in Confined Spaces

Controlling the size and surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to improved properties and applicability. Herein, we demonstrate the efficiency of the metal-carbene template approach (MCTA) to synthesize highly robust and soluble three-dimensional polyimidazolium cages (PICs) of different sizes, each bearing numerous imidazolium groups, and use these as templates to synthesize and stabilize catalytically active, cavity-hosted, dispersed poly-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-anchored gold NPs. Owing to the stabilization of the NHC ligands and the effective confinement of the cage cavities, the as-prepared poly-NHC-shell-encapsulated AuNPs displayed promising stability towards heat, pH, and chemical regents. Most notably, all the Au@PCCs (PCC=polycarbene cage) exhibited excellent catalytic activities in various chemical reactions, together with high stability and durability.

Synthesis of Hydroxylatopillar[6]arene-Controlled Gold Nanoparticles-Cellulose Nanocrystals and Their Applications

In this work, two macrocyclic hosts, named hydroxylatopillar[6]arene and dihydroxylatopillar[6]arene (HP6, 2HP6), are proposed. We found that the reduction of Au³⁺ to Au⁰ can success by using HP6 or 2HP6 as a reductant and stabilizing agent. At the end of HP6/2HP6, hydroxyl (-OH) groups were used as a reductant to reduce Au³⁺ to Au⁰. At the same time, -OH on HP6/2HP6 was oxidized to -COOH, and then the formed -COOH can be used as the stabilizer to prevent the infinite growth of AuNPs. The cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) prepared by a clean and nonpolluting method were used as carriers to load AuNPs on them. The CNCs were applied for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB), and then the MB was catalytically degraded by HP6/2HP6-AuNPs-CNC. Besides, the HP6/2HP6-AuNPs-CNC showed remarkable catalytic performance for reducing nitro to the amino group in 4-nitrophenol. The advantages of clean and green synthesis make the HP6/2HP6-AuNPs-CNC a hybrid material and its application sustainable.

Pyridinium porphyrins and AuNPs mediated bionetworks as SPR signal amplification tags for the ultrasensitive assay of brain natriuretic peptide

Extension of the self-assembled bionanonetworks into surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay investigation provides an effective signal amplification approach. We fabricated a bionetwork by nucleic acids, organic compounds, and supramolecular gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive SPR detection of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The SPR method was developed by a sandwich-type format of aptamer-target-antibody, and the aptamer-modified bionanonetworks induced localized SPR and large refractive index for different concentrations of the target BNP. The linear concentration range and limit of detection were 1-10,000 pg/mL (R² = 0.9852) and 0.3 pg/mL respectively. The detection recovery was in the range 92.13 to 108.69%. The approach embraces the following main advantages: (1) Cooperative double recognition was realized by calix[4]arenes for amino aptamers and pyridinium porphyrins. (2) The approach provided the specificity for supramolecular-based nanomaterials and a simple synthesis process via the ordered self-assembly under mild conditions. (3) The bionanonetworks endowed the SPR assay with signal amplification and stable determination for trace proteins. Therefore, it is expected that this study may offer a new SPR signal-amplified platform of organic-inorganic bionanonetworks to achieve sensitive, stable, and real-time determination. Graphical abstract Schematic of bionanonetwork based on porphyrin-mediated functionalized gold nanoparticles for SPR signal amplification to quantitatively detect BNP.

Fulleropillar[4]arene: The Synthesis and Complexation Properties

A multihydroquinone ether dialdehyde derivative 2 was incidentally obtained through an unexpected ring opening of pillar[4]arene[1]quinone 1. And the Prato reaction of 2 with [60]fullerene led to [60]fullerene bisadducts, from which trans-4 cyclic regioisomer 3 was isolated and characterized. The fulleropillar[4]arene 3 showed a larger cavity and can accommodate a viologen derivative C₁₂V²⁺ with a much stronger affinity than permethyl pillar[5]arene (MP5) and pillar[4]arene[1]quinone 1.

Safranin O-functionalized cuboid mesoporous silica material for fluorescent sensing and adsorption of permanganate

A new safranin O-based chelating fluorophore coupled, dual-functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid material has been prepared for simultaneous MnO₄⁻ detection and adsorption in aqueous media and living organisms such as limnodrilus claparedianus and zebrafish.

Preparation and Characterization of Cationic Water-Soluble Pillar[5]arene-Modified Zeolite for Adsorption of Methyl Orange

A novel quaternary cationic pillar[5]arene-modified zeolite (WPA5/zeolite) was prepared via charge interaction between the cationic WPA5 and natural zeolite and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The effects of zeolite particle size, WPA5 concentration, adsorption time, initial concentration, and pH on the removal of methyl orange (MO) were studied. The SEM and XRD results revealed a strong interaction between WPA5 and natural zeolite, and the modified composites showed novel microscopic morphology and structural properties. TG analysis indicated excellent thermal stability of the composite. MO was removed via electrostatic adsorption, and the removal efficiency was 84% at an initial concentration of 100 mg/L. Increase in the initial dye concentration enhanced the adsorption capacity of WPA5/zeolite and decreased the removal of MO. Based on the adsorption kinetics, the pseudo-second-order model (R ² = 0.998) described the kinetic behavior of MO on WPA5/zeolite. In addition, UV and fluorescence spectra revealed that MO and WPA5 are complexed by a 1:1 complex ratio, and the binding constant between them was 12 595 L·mol^-1. NMR and molecular docking also verified their interaction. Therefore, the potential application of the prepared composite includes removal of organic anionic dyes.

Mesoporous silica nanobeans dual-functionalized with AIEgens and leaning pillar[6]arene-based supramolecular switches for imaging and stimuli-responsive drug release

A bean-shaped and dual-functionalized organic-inorganic hybrid supramolecular system with a GSH-dependent turn-on fluorescence enhancement property and stimuli-responsive drug delivery function endowed with leaning towerarene-based switches has been constructed for simultaneous tumor inhibition and imaging.

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems based on pillar[n]arenes and their related applications

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems (SRNS) have been a trending interdisciplinary research area due to the responsiveness upon appropriate stimuli, which makes SRNS very attractive in multiple fields where precise control is vital.