Facile Syntheses of Cucurbit[6]uril-Anchored Polymers and Their Noncovalent Modification

Gold and Silver Chains from Tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[6]uril as Au or Ag-Nanoparticles

Tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[5 and 6]uril has been synthesized from tetrathiophenoglycoluril diether, providing thioether functionality at the exterior equatorial position of the cucurbituril cage. This functionality has been investigated for chemical modification through sulfoxide formation and subsequent Pummerer rearrangement to the acetoxy derivative of the tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[5]uril. Nanoparticles of Au and Ag were prepared in the presence of tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[6]uril, which curiously led to the formation of nanoparticle chains, growing in length over days to weeks.

Cucurbit[7]uril-anchored polymer vesicles enhance photosensitization in the nucleus

Effective photosensitizers (PSs) are highly desirable in many applications, such as photodynamic therapy and catalytic chemistry. Here, we demonstrated that vesicles of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7] or CB[7])-anchored polymers enhanced photosensitization in the nucleus. The polyacrylic acid chain spacer triggered Q[7] polymers on the surfaces of the vesicles at a regular distance, thus not only leading to efficient inhibition of the aggregation induced self-quenching of the porphyrin based cationic PS in aqueous solution but also maintaining the PS at high concentration on the nanoscale via stable host-guest interactions. Further experiments indicated that Q[7] polymer based vesicles as a PS loading vehicle had a high penetration depth, entering the nuclei of cancer cells. Therefore, highly enhanced photosensitization and efficient anticancer effects were achieved.

Synthesis and separation of cucurbit[n]urils and their derivatives

Cucurbit[n]uril chemistry has become an important part of contemporary supramolecular chemistry since cucurbit[n]urils (Q[n]s) are not only able to encapsulate various guests, but are also capable of coordinating to a wide range of metal ions, leading to the establishment of Q[n]-based host-guest chemistry and coordination chemistry. Each of these impressive developments can be attributed to the growth of protocols for obtaining Q[n]s. In this review, we survey synthetic procedures for obtaining cucurbit[n]urils and their substituted derivatives together with the separation and purification of these remarkable compounds. The coverage is aimed at both existing workers in the field as well as at those requiring an "entry" into Q[n]-based research.

Synthesis and bactericidal evaluation of imide N-halamine-loaded PMMA nanoparticles

Antibacterial imide N-halamine-loaded PMMA nanoparticles were fabricated, and their bactericidal activities were systematically evaluated.

Direct synthesis of cucurbit[5]uril-anchored polyacrylic acid microspheres and potential applications in selective sorption

A one-pot strategy was employed to synthesize cucurbit[5]uril-anchored polymers which show high selective sorption for methanol.

Preparation of cucurbit[6]uril-modified polymer monolithic column for microextraction of nitroaromatics

Monolithic poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) capillary column incorporated with cucurbit[6]uril pseudorotaxane (CB[6]MR) was prepared and used in polymer monolith microextraction for the preconcentration of nitroaromatics.

Direct syntheses of cucurbit[7]uril-anchored polyacrylic acid microspheres and adsorption of basic dyes by the derivative

A series of cucurbit[7]uril-anchored polyacrylic acids were synthesized using (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ as both an initiator and oxidant. The polymers were further esterified with 2-naphthol to yield derivatives, which could be used as a stationary phase for the absorption of basic dyes.

Cucurbituril-based supramolecular engineered nanostructured materials

Nanostructured materials, including nanoparticles, nanocomposites, vesicles, and rods, have been prepared by taking advantage of the interesting features of cucurbituril homologues.