Nanoparticles Functionalized with Supramolecular Host–Guest Systems for Nanomedicine and Healthcare

Abstract

Synthetic macrocyclic host compounds can interact with suitable guest molecules via noncovalent interactions to form functional supramolecular systems. With the synergistic integration of the response of molecules and the unique properties at the nanoscale, nanoparticles functionalized with the host-guest supramolecular systems have shown great potentials for a broad range of applications in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this review article, we focus on the applications of the nanoparticles functionalized with supramolecular host-guest systems in nanomedicine and healthcare, including therapeutic delivery, imaging, sensing and removal of harmful substances. A large number of examples are included to elucidate the working mechanisms, advantages, limitations and future developments of the nanoparticle-supramolecule systems in these applications.

Dynamic supramolecular polymers built from cucurbit[n]urils and viologens

“…As a preliminary comment, it should be mentioned that a comprehensive review on nanoparticle arrays held together by cavitands and host–guest interaction was provided recently by Li and Qi . Another review, concerning applications in medicine and healthcare, was published a few years ago by Zheng and his group …”

Metal–Organic Polyhedron Capped with Cucurbit[8]uril Delivers Doxorubicin to Cancer Cells

“…13 We envisioned that these large spherical assemblies, when appropriately functionalized, would prove complementary to and thereby enrich the toolbox of nanoparticle based drug delivery vehicles. 5,8,21,22,23 …”

“…31,33 Pioneering work in this area was performed by Yang, Zink, and Stoddart based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles that are gated by host•guest recognition processes. 23,34 In this paper, we decorate the external surface of Fujita-type Pd 12 L 24 metal organic polyhedra (MOP) with MV ligands, explore their non-covalent functionalization with CB[n], and demonstrate their ability to deliver doxorubicin to cancer cells.…”

Amino Acid‐Functionalized Calix[4]Resorcinarene Solubilization by Mono‐ and Dicationic Surfactants

“…Increasing interest and attention to this group of macrocycles have been caused by the many opportunities they open in designing supramolecular assemblies [2,3]. The ability to form ''guest-host'' complexes allows one to create a series of highly selective sensors [4], extracting agents [5], high-efficient catalytic systems [6,7], and may have prospective impact on nanomedicine and healthcare [8]. Some advances in biomedical applications of calixarenes, e.g.…”