Hypoxia-Responsive Tetrameric Supramolecular Polypeptide Nanoprodrugs for Combination Therapy

Despite the intense progress of photodynamic and chemotherapy, however, they cannot prevent solid tumor invasion, metastasis, and relapse, along with inferior efficacy and severe side effects. The hypoxia-responsive nanoprodrugs integrating photodynamic functions are highly sought to address the above-mentioned problems and overcome the tumor hypoxia-reduced efficacy. Herein, a hypoxia-responsive tetrameric supramolecular polypeptide nanoprodrug (SPN-TAPP-PCB4) is constructed from the self-assembly of tetrameric porphyrin-central poly(l-lysine-azobenzene-chlorambucil) (TAPP-(PLL-Azo-CB)4) and an anionic water-soluble [2]biphenyl-extended-pillar[6]arene (AWBpP6) via the synergy of hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and host-guest interactions. Upon laser irradiation, the central TAPP can convert oxygen to generate single oxygen (1 O2 ) to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, under the acidic and PDT-aggravated hypoxia tumor cell microenvironment, SPN-TAPP-PCB4 is rapidly disassembled, and then efficiently releases activated CB through the hypoxic-responsive cleavage of azobenzene linkages. Both in vitro and in vivo biological studies showcase synergistic cancer-killing actions between photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy (CT) with negligible toxicity. Consequently, this supramolecular polypeptide nanoprodrug offers an effective strategy to design a hypoxia-responsive nanoprodrug for a potential combo PDT-CT transition.

Supramolecular Switch for the Regulation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Near-Infrared Photosensitizer

The global antibiotic resistance crisis has drawn attention to the development of treatment methods less prone to inducing drug resistance, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). However, there is an increasing demand for new photosensitizers capable of efficiently absorbing in the near-infrared (NIR) region, enabling antibacterial treatment in deeper sites. Additionally, advanced strategies need to be developed to avert drug resistance stemming from prolonged exposure. Herein, we have designed a conjugated oligoelectrolyte, namely TTQAd, with a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) backbone, enabling the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under NIR light irradiation, and cationic adamantaneammonium groups on the side chains, enabling the host-guest interaction with curcubit[7]uril (CB7). Due to the amphiphilic nature of TTQAd, it could spontaneously form nanoassemblies in aqueous solution. Upon CB7 treatment, the positive charge of the cationic adamantaneammonium group was largely shielded by CB7, leading to a further aggregation of the nanoassemblies and a reduced antibacterial efficacy of TTQAd. Subsequent treatment with competitor guests enables the release of TTQAd and restores its antibacterial effect. The reversible supramolecular switch for regulating the antibacterial effect offers the potential for the controlled release of active photosensitizers, thereby showing promise in preventing the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Studying the adsorption of emerging organic contaminants in zeolites with dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations: From numbers to recommendations

Adsorption energies obtained from dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations show a considerable dependence on the choice of exchange-correlation functional and dispersion correction. A number of investigations have employed different approaches to compute adsorption energies of small molecules in zeolites, using reference values from high-level calculations and/or experiments. Such comparative studies are lacking for larger functional organic molecules such as pharmaceuticals or personal care products, despite their potential relevance for applications, e. g., in contaminant removal or drug delivery. The present study aims to fill this gap by comparing adsorption energies and, for selected cases, equilibrium structures of emerging organic contaminants adsorbed in MOR- and FAU-type all-silica zeolites. A total of 13 dispersion-corrected DFT approaches are compared, including methods using a pairwise dispersion correction as well as non-local van der Waals density functionals. While absolute values of adsorption energies vary widely, qualitative trends across the set of zeolite-guest combinations are not strongly dependent on the choice of functional. For selected cluster models, DFT adsorption energies are compared to reference values from coupled cluster (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) calculations. Although all DFT approaches deliver systematically more negative adsorption energies than the coupled cluster reference, this tendency is least pronounced for the rev-vdW-DF2 functional.

Dual-Responsive Drug-Delivery System Based on PEG-Functionalized Pillararenes Containing Disulfide and Amido Bonds for Cancer Theranostics

The construction of a smart drug-delivery system based on amphiphilic pillararenes with multiple responsiveness properties has become an important way to improve the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy. Here, a new PEG-functionalized pillararene (EtP5-SS-PEG) containing disulfide and amido bonds was designed and synthesized, which has been used to construct a novel supramolecular nanocarrier through a host-guest interaction with a perylene diimide derivative (PDI-2NH4 ) and their supramolecular self-assembly. This nanocarrier showed good drug loading capability, and dual stimulus responsiveness to enzyme and GSH (glutathione). After loading of doxorubicin (DOX), the prepared nanodrugs displayed efficient DOX release and outstanding cancer theranostics ability.

Integrating Pillar[5]arene and BODIPY for a Supramolecular Nanoplatform To Achieve Synergistic Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy

BODIPY photosensitizers have been integrated with a hypoxia-activated prodrug to achieve synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy. A novel BODIPY derivative BDP-CN was designed and synthesized. It had two cyano groups to make it complex well with a water-soluble pillar[5]arene. Their association constant was calculated to be (6.8±0.9)×106  M-1 . After self-assembly in water, regular spherical nanocarriers can be formed; these were used to encapsulate the hypoxia-activated prodrug tirapazamine (TPZ). BDP-CN displayed excellent photodynamic activity to complete PDT. In this process, O2 can be continuously consumed to activate TPZ to allow it to be converted to a benzotriazinyl (BTZ) radical with high cytotoxicity to complete chemotherapy. As a result, the formed nanoparticles showed excellent synergistic photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy efficacy. The synergistic therapy mechanism is discussed in detail.

Adsorption Mechanism of Benzene Derivatives by Pagoda[n]arenes

Despite the widespread use in industrial production, benzene derivatives are harmful to both human beings and the environment. The control of these substances has become an important subject of scientific research. This study introduces a new approach for adsorption and separation of benzene derivatives utilizing pagoda[n]arene based supramolecular materials. Density functional theory calculations were employed to investigate the molecular recognition mechanism of benzene derivatives by pagoda[4]arenes and pagoda[5]arenes (Pa[4]As and Pa[5]As). Results indicate that Pa[4]As and Pa[5]As can effectively accommodate benzene derivatives through non-covalent interactions, leading to the formation of stable host-guest complexes. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both crystalline and non-crystalline supramolecular aggregates of Pa[4]As and Pa[5]As possess the ability to adsorb benzene derivatives and maintain the stability of the adsorption. Moreover, increasing the temperature causes benzene derivatives to desorb from the adsorbing aggregates, and thus the material can be reutilized.

Host-Guest Complexes of Pillar[5]arene as Components for Supramolecular Light-Harvesting Systems with Tunable Fluorescence

A guest molecule containing a short alkyl spacer between the tetraphenylethylene group and the methylpyridinium group was designed and synthesized. After complexation with a water-soluble pillar[5]arene, the resulting host-guest complex can further self-assemble into fluorescence-emitting nanoparticles in water. By loading a commercially available dye Rhodamine 6G into the nanoparticles, an efficient artificial light-harvesting system with high donor/acceptor ratios (>400/1) was successfully constructed. The obtained systems show considerable antenna effects with values of more than 10 times. The system also exhibits tunable fluorescence emission behavior and can be used as a fluorescent ink for information encryption.

Harnessing Pillar[5]arene Host-Guest Complexation To Improve pH Stability and Affect Enzymatic Degradation of the Anticancer Prodrug Capecitabine: A 19 F NMR Study

Cancer is a global health problem, and supramolecular chemotherapy is emerging as a novel strategy to battle the disease. Here, we first evaluated the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the complexes formed between several water-soluble per-substituted pillar[5]arene derivatives and capecitabine (1), a widely used oral chemotherapeutic prodrug. The exchange rate was studied, for the first time in pillararene chemistry, by the 19 F guest exchange saturation transfer (GEST) NMR technique. Importantly, when we evaluated the effect of complexation on the characteristics of 1, we found that the complexation of 1 with such pillar[5]arene hosts increased capecitabine stability at acidic pH very significantly and slowed its enzymatic degradation by the carboxylesterase enzyme in a manner that depended on the host. These interesting findings could have implications on the clinical use of this heavily used prodrug and might affect the management of cancer patients.

Reversible Molecular Capture and Release in Microfluidics by Host-Guest Interactions in Hydrogel Microdots

The integration of microscopic hydrogels with high specific surface area and physically reactive groups into microfluidic systems for selective molecular interactions is attracting increasing attention. Herein, the reversible capture and release of molecules through host-guest interactions of hydrogel dots in a microfluidic device is reported, which translates the supramolecular chemistry to the microscale conditions under continuous flow. Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel arrays with grafted β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)  modified poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (CD-PMOXA) chains are fabricated by photopolymerization and integrated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-on-glass chip. The β-CD/adamantane (β-CD/Ada) host-guest complex is confirmed by two dimensional Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy NMR (2D NOESY NMR) prior to transfer to microfluidics. Ada-modified molecules are successfully captured by host-guest interaction formed between the CD-PMOXA grafted chains in the hydrogel network and the guest molecule in the solution. Furthermore, the captured molecules are released by perfusing free β-CD with higher binding affinity than those grafted in the hydrogel array. A small guest molecule adamantane-fluorescein-isothiocyanate (Ada-FITC) and a macromolecular guest molecule (Ada-PMOXA-Cyanine 5 (Cy5)) are separately captured and released for three times with a release ratio up to 46% and 92%, respectively. The reproducible capture and release of functional molecules with different sizes demonstrates the stability of this hydrogel system in microfluidics and will provide an opportunity for future applications.

Crosslinked and Multi-Responsive Polymeric Vesicles as a Platform to Study Enzyme-Mediated Undocking Behavior: Toward Future Artificial Organelle Communication

Various cellular functions are successfully mimicked, opening the door to the next generation of therapeutic approaches and systems biology. Herein, the first steps are taken toward the construction of artificial organelles for mimicking cell communication by docking and undocking of cargo in the membrane of swollen artificial organelles. Stimuli-responsive and crosslinked polymeric vesicles are used to allow docking processes at acidic pH at which ferrocene units in the swollen membrane state can undergo desired specific host-guest interaction using β-cyclodextrin as model cargo. The release of the cargo mediated by two different enzymes, glucose oxidase and α-amylase, is investigated, triggered by distinct enzymatic undocking mechanisms. Different release times for a useful transport are shown that can be adapted to different communication pathways. In addition, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments further support the hypotheses of host-guest inclusion complexation formation and their time-dependent breakdown. This work paves a way to a platform based on polymeric vesicles for synthetic biology, cell functions mimicking, and the construction of multifunctional cargo delivery system.

Surface Restructuring of Zeolite-Encapsulated Halide Perovskite to Activate Lattice Oxygen Oxidation for Water Electrolysis

Metal-halide perovskites possess great potential for electrochemical water splitting that has not been realized due to their intolerance to water. Here, methylammonium lead halide perovskites (MAPbX₃ ) are used to electrocatalyze water oxidation in aqueous electrolytes by creating MAPbX₃ @AlPO-5 host-guest composites. Due to the protective feature of the zeolite matrix, halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) confined in aluminophosphate AlPO-5 zeolites achieve an excellent stability in water. The resultant electrocatalyst undergoes dynamic surface restructuring during oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with the formation of an edge-sharing α-PbO₂ active layer. The existence of charge-transfer interactions at the MAPbX₃ /α-PbO₂ interface significantly modulates the surface electron density of the α-PbO₂ and optimizes the adsorption free energy of oxygen-containing intermediate species. Furthermore, the soft-lattice nature of halide perovskites enables more facile triggering of lattice-oxygen oxidation of nanostructured α-PbO₂ , exhibiting pH-dependent OER activity and non-concerted proton-electron transfer for MAPbX₃ @AlPO-5 composite. As a result, the developed MAPbBr₃ @AlPO-5 composite manifests an ultralow overpotential of 233 mV at 10 mA·cm^-2 in 1 M KOH. Our findings offer facile access to halide perovskite applied to water electrolysis with enhanced intrinsic activity, providing a new paradigm for designing high-efficiency OER electrocatalysts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Insight of Cd2+ removal by MgAl-LDHs with different host-guest interactions

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have shown great potential as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals. Nevertheless, howthe host-guest interactions of LDHs affect the removal mechanism remains to be less explored. Herein, we fabricated CO32-/NO3-/SO42-/Cl- intercalated MgAl-LDHs with different host-guest interactions and investigated their removal mechanism for Cd2+. The removal capacity increased in the order of MgAl-CO3 (127.3 mg/g) < MgAl-SO4 (173.3 mg/g) < MgAl-NO3 (305.0 mg/g) ≈ MgAl-Cl (312.5 mg/g). The quasi-in-situ XRD and XAS demonstrated that Cd2+ was removed in the form of CdCO3 for MgAl-CO3, while for MgAl-Cl/NO3/SO4, Cd2+ was all removed in the form of CdAl-LDHs with isomorphic substitution mechanism. DFT calculations revealed that the lower Gibbs free energy in the formation of CdCO3 than CdAl-LDHs made it easier to remove Cd2+ by CdCO3 on MgAl-CO3. Conversely, isomorphic substitution of MgAl-NO3 to CdAl-LDHs was a free energy reduction process.

High Mechanical Strength and Multifunctional Microphase-Separated Supramolecular Hydrogels Fabricated by Liquid-Crystalline Block Copolymer

The development of multifunctional supramolecular hydrogels with high mechanical strength and multifunction is in high demand. In this work, the diblock copolymer poly(acrylamide-co-1-benzyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide)-block-polyAzobenzene is synthesized through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The dynamic host-guest interactions between the host molecule cucurbit[8] uril and guest units are used to fabricate a 3D network of supramolecular hydrogels. Investigations on the properties of the supramolecular hydrogels show that the tensile stress of the sample is 1.46 MPa, eight times higher than that of hydrogel without liquid-crystalline block copolymer, and the self-healing efficiency of the supramolecular hydrogels at room temperature is 88.3% (fracture stress) and 100% (fracture strain) after 24 h. Results show that microphase-separated structure plays a key role in the high-strength hydrogel, whereas the host-guest interaction endows the hydrogel with self-healing properties. The supramolecular hydrogels with high mechanical strength, photo-responsivity, injectability, and biocompatibility can be used in various potential applications.

Multicolor emission based on a N, N'-Disubstituted dihydrodibenzo [a, c] phenazine crown ether macrocycle

Dynamic fluorophore 9,14-diphenyl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DPAC) affords a new platform to produce diverse emission outputs. In this paper, a novel DPAC-containing crown ether macrocycle D-6 is synthesized and characterized. Host-guest interactions of D-6 with different ammonium guests produced a variety of fluorescence with hypsochromic shifts up to 130 nm, which are found to be affected by choice of solvent or guest and host/guest stoichiometry. Formation of supramolecular complexes were confirmed by UV-vis titration, ¹H NMR and HRMS spectroscopy.

Highly Luminescent Crystalline Sponge: Sensing Properties and Direct X-ray Visualization of the Substrates

A phenomenon of crystalline sponge is represented by guest-dependent structural fluidity of the host polymeric lattice in highly crystalline sorbents, such as metal-organic frameworks, driven by multiple weak intermolecular interactions. Such induced fitting in MOFs is a valuable property in selective adsorption, guest determination by single-crystal XRD and in-situ structural analysis under external stimuli. In this work, a porous three-dimensional metal-organic framework [Eu₂(DMF)₄(ttdc)₃]·4.45DMF (1_DMF; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, ttdc^2- = trans-thienothiophenedicarboxylate anion) was applied as a crystalline sponge bearing luminescent functionality to couple its sensing properties with direct structural determination of the adsorbed molecules. As a result, the paper discusses crystal structures and luminescent properties for the successfully obtained new adducts with the crystallographic formulae [Eu₂(DMSO)₄(ttdc)₃]·2.5DMSO·2.2H₂O (1_DMSO; DMSO = dimethylsulfoxide), [Eu₂(DMF)₄(ttdc)₃]·3phet (1_phet; phet = phenylethanal) and [Eu₂(DMF)_3.5(cin)_0.5(ttdc)₃]·1.64cin (1_cin; cin = trans-cinnamaldehyde). As a result of inclusion of DMSO into 1, a slight increase in the quantum yield and excited state phosphorescence lifetime was observed, while the adsorption of phet leads to a considerable (up to three times) decrease in the corresponding values. The incorporation of cinnamal results in a full quenching of QY, from 20% down to zero, and a more than order of magnitude diminishing of the excited state lifetime compared to the initial 1_DMF. The effective sensing of cinnamal was explained from the structural point of view by its direct coordination to the Eu³⁺ emitter, as well as by multiple weak intermolecular interactions with ttdc antenna ligand, both capable of enhancing the non-radiative energy dissipation.

Supramolecular Interfaces and Reconfigurable Liquids Derived from Cucurbit[7]uril Surfactants

Nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) offer a powerful means to stabilize the oil-water interface and construct all-liquid devices with advanced functions. However, as the nanoparticle size decreases to molecular-scale, the binding energy of the NPS to the interface reduces significantly, leading to a dynamic adsorption of NPS and "liquid-like" state of the interfacial assemblies. Here, by using the host-guest recognition between a water-soluble small molecule, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and an oil-soluble polymer ligand, methyl viologen-terminated polystyrene, a supramolecular NPS model, termed CB[7] surfactant, is described. CB[7] surfactants form and assemble rapidly at the oil-water interface, generating an elastic film with excellent mechanical properties. The binding energy of CB[7] surfactant to the interface is sufficiently high to hold it in a jammed state, transforming the interfacial assemblies from a "liquid-like" to "solid-like" state, enabling the structuring of liquids. With CB[7] surfactants as the emulsifier, O/W, W/O and O/W/O emulsions can be prepared in one step. Owing to the guest-competitive responsiveness of CB[7] surfactants, the assembly/disassembly and jamming/unjamming of CB[7] surfactants can be well controlled, leading to the reconfiguration of all-liquid constructs.

Smart Tetraphenylethene-Based Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks with Amide-Assisted Thermofluorochromics and Piezofluorochromics

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are appealing for the design of smart responsive materials, whereas aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorophores with twisted molecular rotor structure provide exciting opportunities to construct MOFs with new topology and responsiveness. Herein, it is reported that elongating AIE rotor ligands can render the newly formed AIE MOF (ZnETTB) (ETTB = 4',4''',4''''',4'''''''-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetrakis(([1,1'-biphenyl]-3,5-dicarboxylic acid))) with more elasticity, more control for intramolecular motion, and specific amide-sensing capability. ZnETTB shows specific host-guest interaction with amide, where N,N-diethylformamide (DEF), as an example, is anchored through CH···O and CH···π bonds with Zn cluster and ETTB^8- ligand, respectively. DEF anchoring reduces both the distortion level and the intramolecular motions of ETTB^8- ligand to lead a blueshifted and intensified emission for DEF ∈ ZnETTB. Moreover, amide anchoring also affords the DEF ∈ ZnETTB with the excellent thermofluorochromic behavior, and further increases the piezofluorochromic sensitivity at low-pressure ranges on the basis of its elastic framework. This work is one of the rare examples of amide-responsive smart materials, which shall shed new lights on design of smart MOFs with twisted AIE rotors for further sensing and detection applications.

Supramolecular Core-Shell Nanoassemblies with Tumor Microenvironment-Triggered Size and Structure Switch for Improved Photothermal Therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is demonstrated to be an effective methodology for cancer treatment. However, the relatively low photothermal conversion efficiency, limited tumor accumulation, and penetration still remain to be challenging issues that hinder the clinical application of PTT. Herein, the core-shell hierarchical nanostructures induced by host-guest interaction between water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and polyethylene glycol-modified aniline tetramer (TAPEG) are constructed. The pH-responsive performance endows the core-shell nanostructures with size switchable property, with an average diameter of 200 nm in the neutral pH and 60 nm in the acidic microenvironment, which facilitates not only tumor accumulation but also tumor penetration. Moreover, the structure switch of WP5⊃TAPEG under acidic microenvironment and the dual mechanism regulated extending of п conjugate, inclusion in the hydrophobic cavity of WP5 and the dense distribution in the core-shell structured assemblies, dramatically enhance the absorption in the near-infrared-II region and, further, the photothermal conversion efficiency (60.2%). The as-designed intelligent nanoplatform is demonstrated for improved antitumor efficacy via PTT.

Hydrogel Transformed from Nanoparticles for Prevention of Tissue Injury and Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

Functional hydrogels responsive to physiological and pathological signals have extensive biomedical applications owing to their multiple advanced attributes. Herein, engineering of functional hydrogels is reported via transformable nanoparticles in response to the physiologically and pathologically acidic microenvironment. These nanoparticles are assembled by a multivalent hydrophobic, pH-responsive cyclodextrin host material and a multivalent hydrophilic guest macromolecule. Driven by protons, the pH-responsive host-guest nanoparticles can be transformed into hydrogel, resulting from proton-triggered hydrolysis of the host material, generation of a hydrophilic multivalent host compound, and simultaneously enhanced inclusion interactions between host and guest molecules. By in situ forming a hydrogel barrier, the orally delivered transformable nanoparticles protect mice from ethanol- or drug-induced gastric injury. In addition, this type of nanoparticles can serve as responsive and transformable nanovehicles for therapeutic agents to achieve triggerable and sustained drug delivery, thereby effectively treating typical inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis and arthritis in rats. With combined advantages of nanoparticles and hydrogels, together with their good in vivo safety, the engineered transformable nanoparticles hold great promise in tissue injury protection and site-specific/local delivery of molecular and cellular therapeutic agents.

Detection of aliphatic aldehydes by a pillar[5]arene-based fluorescent supramolecular polymer with vaporchromic behavior

The detection of volatile aliphatic aldehydes is of significance because of their chemical toxicity, physical volatility and widespread applications in chemical industrial processes. In this work, the direct detection of aliphatic aldehydes is tackled using a fluorescent supramolecular polymer with vaporchromic behavior which is contructed by pillar[5]arene-based host-guest intereactions. Thin films with strong orange-yellow fluorescence are prepared by coating the linear supramolecular polymer on glass sheets. When the thin films are exposed to aliphatic aldehydes with different carbon chain lengths, they can selectivly sensing  n -butyraldehyde ( C 4 ) and caprylicaldehyde ( C 8 ), accompanied by fluorescence quenching, indicating that the supramolecular polymer is a highly selective vapochromic response material for aliphatic aldehydes with long alkyl chains.

Evolution of Supramolecular Systems Towards Next-Generation Biosensors

Supramolecular materials, which rely on dynamic non-covalent interactions, present a promising approach to advance the capabilities of currently available biosensors. The weak interactions between supramolecular monomers allow for adaptivity and responsiveness of supramolecular or self-assembling systems to external stimuli. In many cases, these characteristics improve the performance of recognition units, reporters, or signal transducers of biosensors. The facile methods for preparing supramolecular materials also allow for straightforward ways to combine them with other functional materials and create multicomponent sensors. To date, biosensors with supramolecular components are capable of not only detecting target analytes based on known ligand affinity or specific host-guest interactions, but can also be used for more complex structural detection such as chiral sensing. In this Review, we discuss the advancements in the area of biosensors, with a particular highlight on the designs of supramolecular materials employed in analytical applications over the years. We will first describe how different types of supramolecular components are currently used as recognition or reporter units for biosensors. The working mechanisms of detection and signal transduction by supramolecular systems will be presented, as well as the important hierarchical characteristics from the monomers to assemblies that contribute to selectivity and sensitivity. We will then examine how supramolecular materials are currently integrated in different types of biosensing platforms. Emerging trends and perspectives will be outlined, specifically for exploring new design and platforms that may bring supramolecular sensors a step closer towards practical use for multiplexed or differential sensing, higher throughput operations, real-time monitoring, reporting of biological function, as well as for environmental studies.

Inclusion Complexes of Gold(I)-Dithiocarbamates with β-Cyclodextrin: A Journey from Drug Repurposing towards Drug Discovery

The gold(I)-dithiocarbamate (dtc) complex [Au(N,N-diethyl)dtc]2 was identified as the active cytotoxic agent in the combination treatment of sodium aurothiomalate and disulfiram on a panel of cancer cell lines. In addition to demonstrating pronounced differential cytotoxicity to these cell lines, the gold complex showed no cross-resistance in therapy-surviving cancer cells. In the course of a medicinal chemistry campaign on this class of poorly soluble gold(I)-dtc complexes, >35 derivatives were synthesized and X-ray crystallography was used to examine structural aspects of the dtc moiety. A group of hydroxy-substituted complexes has an improved solubility profile, and it was found that these complexes form 2 : 1 host-guest inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (CD), exhibiting a rarely observed "tail-to-tail" arrangement of the CD cones. Formulation of a hydroxy-substituted gold(I)-dtc complex with excess sulfobutylether-β-CD prevents the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which is a major burden in the development of metallodrugs.

Host-Guest Interaction in Ethylene and Ethane Separation on Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks as Revealed by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

The separation of ethane/ethylene mixture by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as adsorbents is strongly associated with the pore size-sieving effect and the adsorbent-adsorbate interaction. Herein, solid-state NMR spectroscopy is utilized to explore the host-guest interaction and ethane/ethylene separation mechanism on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). Preferential access to the ZIF-8 and ZIF-8-90 frameworks by ethane compared to ethylene is directly visualized from two-dimensional ¹ H-¹ H spin diffusion MAS NMR spectroscopy and further verified by computational density distributions. The ¹ H MAS NMR spectroscopy provides an alternative for straightforwardly extracting the adsorption selectivity of ethane/ethylene mixture at 1.1∼9.6 bar in ZIFs, which is consistent with the IAST predictions.

Upper Critical Solution Temperature-Type Responsive Cyclodextrins with Characteristic Inclusion Abilities

Water-soluble and thermoresponsive macrocycles with stable inclusion toward guests are highly valuable to construct stimuli-responsive supramolecular materials for versatile applications. Here, we develop such macrocycles - ureido-substituted cyclodextrins (CDs) which exhibit unprecedented upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior in aqueous media. These novel CD derivatives showed good solubility in water at elevated temperature, but collapsed from water to form large coacervates upon cooling to low temperature. Their cloud points are greatly dependent on concentration and can be mediated through oxidation and chelation with silver ions. Significantly, the amphiphilicity of these CD derivatives is supportive to host-guest binding, which affords them inclusion abilities to guest dyes. The inclusion complexation remained nearly intact during thermally induced phase transitions, which is in contrast to the switchable inclusion behavior of lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type CDs. Moreover, ureido-substituted CDs were exploited to co-encapsulate a pair of guest dyes whose fluorescence resonance energy transfer process can be switched by the UCST phase transition. We therefore believe these novel thermoresponsive CDs may form a new strategy for developing smart macrocycles and allow for exploring smart supramolecular materials.

Motorized Macrocycle: A Photo-responsive Host with Switchable and Stereoselective Guest Recognition

Designing photo-responsive host-guest systems can provide versatile supramolecular tools for constructing smart systems and materials. We designed photo-responsive macrocyclic hosts, modulated by light-driven molecular rotary motors enabling switchable chiral guest recognition. The intramolecular cyclization of the two arms of a first-generation molecular motor with flexible oligoethylene glycol chains of different lengths resulted in crown-ether-like macrocycles with intrinsic motor function. The octaethylene glycol linkage enables the successful unidirectional rotation of molecular motors, simultaneously allowing the 1:1 host-guest interaction with ammonium salt guests. The binding affinity and stereoselectivity of the motorized macrocycle can be reversibly modulated, owing to the multi-state light-driven switching of geometry and helicity of the molecular motors. This approach provides an attractive strategy to construct stimuli-responsive host-guest systems and dynamic materials.

Purification of Propylene and Ethylene by a Robust Metal-Organic Framework Mediated by Host-Guest Interactions

Industrial purification of propylene and ethylene requires cryogenic distillation and selective hydrogenation over palladium catalysts to remove propane, ethane and/or trace amounts of acetylene. Here, we report the excellent separation of equimolar mixtures of propylene/propane and ethylene/ethane, and of a 1/100 mixture of acetylene/ethylene by a highly robust microporous material, MFM-520, under dynamic conditions. In situ synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering and analysis of adsorption thermodynamic parameters reveal that a series of synergistic host-guest interactions involving hydrogen bonding and π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions underpin the cooperative binding of alkenes within the pore. Notably, the optimal pore geometry of the material enables selective accommodation of acetylene. The practical potential of this porous material has been demonstrated by fabricating mixed-matrix membranes comprising MFM-520, Matrimid and PIM-1, and these exhibit not only a high permeability for propylene (≈1984 Barrer), but also a separation factor of 7.8 for an equimolar mixture of propylene/propane at 298 K.

Deciphering the Supramolecular Organization of Multiple Guests Inside a Microporous MOF to Understand their Release Profile

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) give the opportunity of confining guest molecules into their pores even by a post-synthetic protocol. PUM168 is a Zn-based MOF characterized by microporous cavities that allows the encapsulation of a significant number of guest molecules. The pores engineered with different binding sites show a remarkable guest affinity towards a series of natural essential oils components, such as eugenol, thymol and carvacrol, relevant for environmental applications. Exploiting single crystal X-ray diffraction, it was possible to step-wisely monitor the rather complex three-components guest exchange process involving dimethylformamide (DMF, the pristine solvent) and binary mixtures of the flavoring agents. A picture of the structural evolution of the DMF-to-guest replacement occurring inside the MOF crystal was reached by a detailed single-crystal-to-single-crystal monitoring. The relation of the supramolecular arrangement in the pores with selective guests release was then investigated as a function of time and temperature by static headspace GC-MS analysis.

Tuning of Delicate Host-Guest Interactions in Hydrated MIL-53 and Functional Variants for Furfural Capture from Aqueous Solution

Capture of high-boiling-point furfural from diluted aqueous solution is a critical but challenging step in sustainable bio-refinery processes, but conventional separation methods such as distillation and liquid-liquid extraction requires prohibitive energy consumption. We report control over the microenvironment of hydrated MIL-53 and isoreticular variants with diversified functional terephthalic acid linkers for the purpose of preferential binding of furfural through delicate host-guest interactions. Methyl-bounded MIL-53 with improved binding energy in the hydrated form results in highly efficient capture ratio (ca. 98 %) in the extremely low concentration of furfural solution (0.5-3 wt %) and 100 % furfural specificity over xylose. The distinct hydrogen bonding sites and multiple Van de Wall interactions for furfural adsorption was testified by computational modeling. Furthermore, the recovery ratio of furfural reaches ca. 93 % in desorption.

Highly Efficient, Tripodal Ion-Pair Receptors for Switching Selectivity between Acetates and Sulfates Using Solid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid Extractions

A tripodal, squaramide-based ion-pair receptor 1 was synthesized in a modular fashion, and ¹H NMR and UV-vis studies revealed its ability to interact more efficiently with anions with the assistance of cations. The reference tripodal anion receptor 2, lacking a crown ether unit, was found to lose the enhancement in anion binding induced by presence of cations. Besides the ability to bind anions in enhanced manner by the “single armed” ion-pair receptor 3, the lack of multiple and prearranged binding sites resulted in its much lower affinity towards anions than in the case of tripodal receptors. Unlike with receptors 2 or 3, the high affinity of 1 towards salts opens up the possibility of extracting extremely hydrophilic sulfate anions from aqueous to organic phase. The disparity in receptor 1 binding modes towards monovalent anions and divalent sulfates assures its selectivity towards sulfates over other lipophilic salts upon liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and enables the Hofmeister bias to be overcome. By changing the extraction conditions from LLE to SLE (solid–liquid extraction), a switch of selectivity from sulfates to acetates was achieved. X-ray measurements support the ability of anion binding by cooperation of the arms of receptor 1 together with simultaneous binding of cations.

pH-Mediated Single Molecule Conductance of Cucurbit[7]uril

Recognition tunneling technique owns the capability for investigating and characterizing molecules at single molecule level. Here, we investigated the conductance value of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and melphalan@CB[7] (Mel@CB[7]) complex molecular junctions by using recognition tunneling technique. The conductances of CB[7] and Mel@CB[7] with different pH values were studied in aqueous media as well as organic solvent. Both pH value and guest molecule have an impact on the conductance of CB[7] molecular junction. The conductances of CB[7] and Mel@CB[7] both showed slightly difference on the conductance under different measurement systems. This work extends the molecular conductance measurement to aqueous media and provides new insights of pH-responsive host-guest system for single molecule detection through electrical measurements.

Fluorescent Metallacycle-Cored Amphiphilic Nanoparticles Formed by β-Cyclodextrin-Based Host-Guest Interactions towards Cancer Theranostics

Theranostic agents, taking the advantages of both imaging and therapeutic functions, are anticipated to be key components in the development of personalized medicine in which the therapeutic response can be real-time monitored. Herein, three metallacycles with pendent adamantane groups are prepared by coordination-driven self-assembly of Pt^II ligands with anticancer activities and tetraphenylethylene derivatives with emission. β-Cyclodextrin, which shows good host-guest interactions with adamantane moieties, was added to form amphiphilic supramolecular nanoparticles with the aim to enhance the aqueous solubilities and bioactivities of these metallacycles. Moreover, when rhodamine-modified β-cyclodextrin was used as the carrier, the release of the metallacycles from the nanoparticles could be monitored in situ through the fluorescence changes owing to the efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer from the metallacycles to rhodamine-modified β-cyclodextrin. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that these nanoparticles not only served as cell imaging contrast agents but also displayed improved anticancer activities, allowing them to serve as potential candidates for cancer theranostics. This study provides a simple and efficient method to prepare theranostic agents by hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly, which will pave the way for image-guided cancer therapy, targeted cancer therapy, and related biomedical fields.

Pressure-Induced Spin Crossover at Room Temperature in a Nanoporous Host-Guest Framework Structure

The two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework compound Fe₂ (azpy)₄ (NCS)₄ (azpy=trans-4,4'-azopyridine, NCS=thiocyanate) has been pressurized in isopropanol and ethanol that act as guest molecules and pressure-transmitting media. Room temperature conversion of metal-ion sites from high-spin to low-spin states under high-pressure-driven uptake of guest molecules was investigated. Upon isopropanol guest inclusion, spin conversion of ∼66 % low-spin abundance is attained by ∼3 GPa. Spin-crossover progression stimulated by ethanol guest inclusion is more sluggish and ∼56 % low-spin abundance is attained by ∼5.5 GPa. This pressure-facilitated guest-specific triggering of spin crossover is suggestive of guest-molecule interactions with the local coordination network of the Fe(II) core, which increases the ligand field. Appreciable low-spin abundances attained at room temperature upon pressurization, are comparable to maximal ∼50 % spin conversions only attainable below ∼150 K at ambient pressure.

Coordination-Driven Poly[2]Pseudorotaxanes in Highly Polar Organic Solvent

Self-assembly of polypseudorotaxanes in high-polar organic solvents is difficult due to remarkably weak interactions between macrocycles and axles. Reported here is a novel metal-coordinated poly[2]pseudorotaxane constructed by pillar[5]arene, 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl pyridinium)butane, and [PdCl₂(PhCN)₂] in highly polar organic solvent of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Utilizing a combination of ¹H NMR, NOESY, DOSY, DLS, SEM, and viscosity measurements, the formation of polypseudorotaxane was shown to be dependent on the concentration of [2]pseudorotaxanes/[PdCl₂(PhCN)₂] and temperature. Furthermore, a temperature-responsive supramolecular gel with reversibly gel-sol transformation was obtained via spontaneous assembly of the polypseudorotaxanes at high concentrations.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal via MOFs

The removal of the environmentally toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from gas streams with varying overall pressure and H₂S concentration is a long-standing challenge faced by the oil and gas industries. The present work focuses on H₂S capture using a relatively new type of material, namely metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), in an effort to shed light on their potential as adsorbents in the field of gas storage and separation. MOFs hold great promise as they make possible the design of structures from organic and inorganic units, but also as they have provided an answer to a long-term challenging objective, i.e., how to design extended structures of materials. Moreover, in designing MOFs, one may functionalize the organic units and thus, in essence, create pores with different functionalities, and also to expand the pores in order to increase pore openings. The work presented herein provides a detailed discussion, by thoroughly combining the existing literature on new developments in MOFs for H₂S removal, and tries to provide insight into new areas for further research.

Self-Healing Thermoplastic Polyurethane Linked via Host-Guest Interactions

High toughness with self-healing ability has become the ultimate goal in materials research. Herein, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was linked via host-guest (HG) interactions to increase its mechanical properties and self-healing ability. TPU linked via HG interactions was prepared by the step-growth bulk polymerization of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), tetraethylene glycol (TEG), and HG interactions between permethylated amino βCD (PMeAmβCD) and adamantane amine (AdAm). TPU linked with 10 mol% of HG interactions (HG(10)) showed the highest rupture stress and fracture energy (G_F) of 11 MPa and 25 MJ·m⁻³, which are almost 40-fold and 1500-fold, respectively, higher than those of non-functionalized TEG-based TPU (PU). Additionally, damaged HG(10) shows 87% recovery after heated for 7 min at 80 °C, and completely cut HG(10) shows 80% recovery after 60 min of reattachment at same temperature. The HG interactions in TPU are an important factor in stress dispersion, increasing both its mechanical and self-healing properties. The TPU linked via HG interactions has great promise for use in industrial materials in the near future.

Anion Binding of a Cyclopeptide-Derived Molecular Cage in Aqueous Solvent Mixtures

A molecular cage consisting of two cyclic hexapeptides with an alternating sequence of (2S,4S)-4-aminoproline and 6-aminopicolinic acid subunits, covalently linked via three diglycolic acid subunits, interacts with a variety of inorganic anions in acetonitrile/water. In the respective complexes, the anion resides in a cavity between the two cyclopeptide rings where it interacts with six converging NH groups. The cage binds sulfate anions in acetonitrile/water, 2 : 1 (v/v) with a log K_a of 6.7, ca. 2.5 orders of magnitude stronger than an analogous bis(cyclopeptide) with only one linker whose sulfate affinity log K_a amounts to 4.3. The preorganization induced by the three linking units is thus beneficial for sulfate binding. In addition, these linkers cause the dissociation of the sulfate complex to have a substantial Gibbs free energy of activation ΔG^≠ of 68.9 kJ mol^-1 and they also seem to affect anion selectivity as illustrated by the different effects some anions produce on the ¹ H NMR spectra of the triply and singly-linked bis(cyclopeptides). Such anion binding cages represent promising scaffolds to mimic natural anion receptors such as the sulfate-binding protein.

Self-Assembly of Supramolecular DNA Amphiphiles through Host-Guest Interaction and Their Stimuli-Responsiveness

Smart DNA nanostructures have found potential application in material science and biomedicine. Most building blocks are DNA amphiphiles covalently synthesized from DNA and hydrophobic molecules. Here, the noncovalent approach based on the host-guest interaction between cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and two hydrophobic guests with different topologies is utilized to modularly construct supramolecular DNA amphiphiles including DNA-CB[7]/ferrocene derivative and DNA-CB[7]/adamantine derivative. Both of the supramolecular DNA amphiphiles assemble into uniform spherical micelles, which can encapsulate hydrophobic Nile Red molecules and anchor gold nanoparticles through DNA hybridization. In addition, 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride, a competitive guest with a strong binding constant with CB[7], induces the dissociation of DNA-CB[7]/ferrocene derivative micelles. More importantly, the redox properties of ferrocene induce reversible morphology changes between the spherical micelles and the dissociated state. These stimuli-responsive DNA supra-amphiphilic micelles, as novel vehicles, expand the family of smart DNA nanostructures.

Efficient Capturing of Polycyclic Aromatic Micropollutants From Water Using Physically Crosslinked DNA Nanoparticles

Design and synthesis of physically (non-covalently) cross-linked nanoparticles through host-guest interaction between β-CD and adamantane is reported. Specific molecular recognition between β-CD functionalized branched DNA nanostructures (host) and a star-shaped adamantyl-terminated 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) polymer (guest) is explored for the design of the nanoparticles. The most remarkable structural features of DNA nanoparticles include their excellent biocompatibility and the possibility of various non-covalent interactions with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic molecules. Potential of DNA nanoparticles for the rapid and efficient capture of various micropollutants typically present in water including carcinogens (hydrophobic micropollutants), organic dyes (hydrophilic), and pharmaceutical molecules (hydrophilic) is also demonstrated. The capture of micropollutants by DNA nanoparticles is attributed to the various non-covalent interactions between DNA nanoparticles and the micropollutants. Our results clearly suggest that DNA based nanomaterials would be an ideal candidate for the capturing and removal of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic micropollutants typically present in water.

Atomistic Insight Into the Host-Guest Interaction of a Photoresponsive Metal-Organic Framework

Photoresponsive functional materials have gained increasing attention due to their externally tunable properties. Molecular switches embedded in these materials enable the control of phenomena at the atomic level by light. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a versatile platform to immobilize these photoresponsive units within defined molecular environments to optimize the intended functionality. For the application of these photoresponsive MOFs (pho-MOFs), it is crucial to understand the influence of the switching state on the host-guest interaction. Therefore, we present a detailed insight into the impact of molecular switching on the intermolecular interactions. By performing atomistic simulations, we revealed that due to different interactions of the guest molecules with the two isomeric states of an azobenzene-functionalized MOF, both the adsorption sites and the orientation of the molecules within the pores are modulated. By shedding light on the host-guest interaction, our study highlights the unique potential of pho-MOFs to tailor molecular interaction by light.

Carbon Nanotubes Conjugated with Triazole-Based Tetrathiafulvalene-Type Receptors for C60 Recognition

Fullerene receptors prepared by a twofold Cu^I -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction with π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) have been covalently linked to single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The nanoconjugates obtained were characterized by several analytical, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques (TEM, FTIR, Raman, TGA and XPS), and evaluated as C₆₀ receptors by using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The complexation between the exTTF-triazole receptor in the free state and C₆₀ was also studied by UV-Vis and ¹ H NMR titrations, and compared with analogous triazole-based tweezer-type receptors containing the electron-acceptor 11,11,12,12-tetracyano-9,10-anthraquinodimethane and benzene rings instead of exTTF motifs, providing in all cases very similar values for the association constant (log K_a ≈3.0-3.1). Theoretical density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the enhanced interaction between the host and the guest upon increasing the size of the π-conjugated arms of the tweezer is compensated by an increase in the energy penalty needed to distort the geometry of the host to wrap C₆₀ .

Hexabenzocoronene Graphitic Nanocoils Appended with Crown Ethers: Supramolecular Chirality Induced by Host-Guest Interaction

We have designed and synthesized two new achiral hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) derivatives, HBC^CE and HBC^TEG-CE , which bear the crown ether as the pendant for the amino acid binding site. The HBC^CE self-assembled into a racemic mixture of P- and M-handed helical nanocoils, however, in the presence of chiral amino acid guests, it formed helical nanocoils with one-handed screw sense. The effects of the concentration, type and configuration of the guests on the induced circular dichroism (ICD) during the co-assembly of HBC^CE with chiral amino acids were also investigated. Additionally, after complete removal of the chiral guests, the optically active nanocoils did not racemize, even in the presence of excess amino acids with the opposite configuration. In contrast, HBC^TEG-CE with a long triethylene glycol (TEG) chain between the crown ether group and the HBC unit did not exhibit ICD during the co-assembly with chiral amino acids.

A Supramolecular Artificial Light-Harvesting System with Two-Step Sequential Energy Transfer for Photochemical Catalysis

An artificial light-harvesting system with sequential energy-transfer process was fabricated based on a supramolecular strategy. Self-assembled from the host-guest complex formed by water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5), a bola-type tetraphenylethylene-functionalized dialkyl ammonium derivative (TPEDA), and two fluorescent dyes, Eosin Y (ESY) and Nile Red (NiR), the supramolecular vesicles achieve efficient energy transfer from the AIE guest TPEDA to ESY. ESY can function as a relay to further transfer the energy to the second acceptor NiR and realize a two-step sequential energy-transfer process with good efficiency. By tuning the donor/acceptor ratio, bright white light emission can be successfully achieved with a CIE coordinate of (0.33, 0.33). To better mimic natural photosynthesis and make full use of the harvested energy, the WP5⊃TPEDA-ESY-NiR system can be utilized as a nanoreactor: photocatalyzed dehalogenation of α-bromoacetophenone was realized with 96 % yield in aqueous medium.

Morphologies Transformation of BODIPY-Based Main Chain Supramolecular Polymers Amphiphiles: From Helical Nanowires to Nanosheets

The aggregate morphologies of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) main chain supramolecular polymer amphiphiles (SPA) are tunable by a fine balance of different non-covalent interactions. When the BODIPY segments and sodium cholate are mixed in aqueous solution, they form SPA by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen-bonds. This SPA displays helical nanowires' morphology. After the third component dimeric β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-C) is added, the hydrogen bonds between the cholate are substituted by the host-guest interaction between cholate and β-CD-C. Therefore, these SPA transform their aggregate morphologies into nanosheets' architecture. Therefore, a simple and effective way to regulate self-assembly by non-covalent forces is developed. This supramolecular method may provide an effective way to prepare various nanostructures in aqueous solution and show promising application in the future.

Host-Guest Hydrogen Bonding Varies the Charge-State Behavior of Magnetic Sponges

The electron-donor(D) and -acceptor(A)-assembled D₂ A-layer framework [{Ru₂ (m-FPhCO₂ )₄ }₂ TCNQ(OMe)₂ ]⋅nDCE (1-nDCE; m-FPhCO₂ ^- =m-fluorobenzoate; TCNQ(OMe)₂ =2,5-dimethoxyl-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane; DCE=1,2-dichloroethane) undergoes drastic charge-ordered state variations via three distinct states that are a two-electron-transferred state (2e-I), a charge-disproportionated state (1.5e-I), and a one-electron-transferred state (1e-I), depending on the degree of solvation by nDCE. The pristine form 1-4DCE has a paramagnetic 2e-I state, which eventually produces the solvent-free form 1 in 1.5e-I via an intermediate state 1-nDCE (n≤1) in 1e-I. Resolvation of 1 stabilizes 1-DCE, allowing it to switch between 1.5e-I and 1e-I, and to become ferrimagnetic with a T_c of 30 K (1.5e-I) and 88 K (1e-I). The stabilization of the 1e-I state of 1-DCE is due to the presence of host-guest hydrogen bonding that enables to suppress the electron-donation ability of D even in an identical framework with 1.

A protein-protein host-guest complex: Thermostable ferritin encapsulating positively supercharged green fluorescent protein

We characterize the encapsulation of supercharged green fluorescent protein, GFP(+36), by thermophilic ferritin from Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AfFtn). The AfFtn-GFP(+36) assembly is rapid, nearly stoichiometric, and robust. Using a more stably assembled mutant AfFtn, we show that encapsulation can occur in the presence of mostly assembled cages, in addition to encapsulation starting from AfFtn individual subunits. Assembly and encapsulation do not occur with non-supercharged GFP or the alternately supercharged GFP(-30), highlighting the role of complementary electrostatic interactions between the cargo and AfFtn cage interior. We also present a method for verifying protein-protein encapsulation, using nickel nitrilotriacetic acid agarose resin. AfFtn-supercharged protein host-guest complexes could find applications in enzyme studies, protein separations, and in vivo protein stabilization and targeted delivery.

Reversible Ion-Conducting Switch in a Novel Single-Ion Supramolecular Hydrogel Enabled by Photoresponsive Host-Guest Molecular Recognition

A novel ion-conducting supramolecular hydrogel with reversible photoconductive properties in which the azobenzene motif, α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), and ionic liquid are grafted onto the gel matrix is reported. Host-guest interactions with different association constants between α-CD and azobenzene or the anionic part of the ionic liquid can be readily tuned by photoinduced trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene unit. When irradiated by 365 nm light, α-CD prefers to form a complex with the anionic part of the ionic liquid, resulting in decreased ionic mobility and thus high resistance of the hydrogel. However, under 420 nm light irradiation, a more stable complex is again formed between α-CD and trans-azobenzene, thereby releasing the bound anions to regenerate the low-resistive hydrogel. As such, remote control of the ionic conductivity of the hydrogel is realized by simple host-guest chemistry. With the incorporation of a logic gate, this hydrogel is able to reversibly switch an electric circuit on and off by light irradiation with certain wavelengths. The concept of photoswitchable ionic conductivity of a hydrogel mediated by competitive molecular recognition is potentially promising toward the fabrication of optoelectronic devices and applications in bioelectronic technology.

Adsorption of Cyclohexane in Pure Silica Zeolites: High-Throughput Computational Screening Validated by Experimental Data

Adsorption of cyclohexane in pure silica zeolites was studied experimentally and by molecular simulations. Based on the adsorption isobars obtained from the quasi-equilibrated temperature adsorption and desorption (QE-TPDA) measurements and reported adsorption isotherms for high-silica zeolites Y, ZSM-5, and ZSM-11 we refined Lennard-Jones parameters for guest-host interactions available in the literature. Adsorption of cyclohexane from equimolar mixture of twisted-boat and chair conformations has been screened in 171 pure silica zeolitic structures using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. Almost 20 frameworks showing extraordinary preference for adsorption of the chair conformation over the twisted boat one or vice versa were found. This selectivity was attributed to the geometry of channels and cavities present in the pore structures, as all t-boat selective structures possess channels or cavities of 8.3-9.1 Å. We also differentiated ways of chair-selectivity depending on the size and shape of the channels or cavities and also on the arrangement of the guest molecules in the pores.

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: A Powerful Technique to Directly Study Small Gas Molecules Adsorbed in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential in gas separation and storage, and the design of MOFs for these purposes is an on-going field of research. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy is a valuable technique for characterizing these functional materials. It can provide a wide range of structural and motional insights that are complementary to and/or difficult to access with alternative methods. In this Concept article, the recent advances made in SSNMR investigations of small gas molecules (i.e., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen gas and light hydrocarbons) adsorbed in MOFs are discussed. These studies demonstrate the breadth of information that can be obtained by SSNMR spectroscopy, such as the number and location of guest adsorption sites, host-guest binding strengths and guest mobility. The knowledge acquired from these experiments yields a powerful tool for progress in MOF development.

Photoresponsive, Water-Soluble Supramolecular Dendronized Polymer with Specific Lysosome-Targetable Bioimaging Application in Living Cells

A novel photoresponsive, water-soluble supramolecular dendronized polymer (SDP) is prepared through a γ -cyclodextrin (γ -CD)-coumarin host-guest interaction. The supramolecular formation, photoresponsive process, and fluorescence properties are investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and spectrometric measurements. Upon different-wavelength light irradiation, this supramolecular polymer undergoes noncovalent polymer and covalent polymer conversion due to coumarin cycloaddition and cleavage reactions. In addition, SDP for bioimaging in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells is performed and results show that the obtained SDP has good biocompatibility and is lysosome-targetable. This research enriches the field of supramolecular dendrimers and the photo-stimulation response material may have application prospects in organelle-targeting applications.

Cucurbit[8]uril-Based Polymers and Polymer Materials

Cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) is unique and notable in the cucurbit[n]uril family, since it has a relatively large cavity and thus is able to simultaneously accommodate two guest molecules. Typically, an electron-deficient first guest and an electron-rich second guest can be bound by CB[8] to form a stable 1:1:1 heteroternary supramolecular complex. Additionally, two homo guests can also be strongly dimerized inside the cavity of CB[8] to form a 2:1 homoternary supramolecular complex. During the past decade, by combining polymer science and CB[8] host-guest chemistry, a variety of systems have been established to construct supramolecular polymers with polymer chains typically at the nanoscale/sub-microscale, and CB[8]-based micro/nanostructured polymer materials in the form of polymer networks and hydrogels, microcapsules, micelles, vesicles, and colloidal particles, normally in solution and occasionally on surfaces. This Review summarizes the noncovalent interactions and strategies used for the preparation of CB[8]-based polymers and polymer materials with a focus on the representative and latest developments, followed by a brief discussion of their characterization, properties, and applications.