Pillararene-based supramolecular systems for theranostics and bioapplications

Abstract

As an emerging type of important macrocycles for supramolecular chemistry, pillararenes and their derivatives have been widely studied and applied in numerous fields, which intensively promotes the development of chemistry, materials science and biology. Pillararene-based theranostic systems are of special interest in the biological and medical areas as they have shown very promising results. Owing to easy preparation, reliable guest affinity, good biocompatibility and stability, pillararenes are frequently used to construct functional biomaterials. On one hand, pillararenes can either be used individually or form diversiform self-assemblies such as micelles, nanoparticles and vesicles to increase water solubility and biocompatibility of drugs. On the other hand, it is promising to modify solid materials like framework materials, silica nanoparticles and graphene oxides with pillararene derivatives to enhance their functions and controllability. In this review, we summarize recent endeavors of pillararene-based supramolecular systems with theranostics and other biological applications comprising drug delivery/chemotherapy, photodynamic/photothermal therapy, antimicrobials, bioimaging, etc. By introducing several typical examples, the design principles, preparation strategies, identifications and bio-applications of these pillararene-based supramolecular systems are described. Future challenges and directions of this field are also outlined.

Multifunctional Pillar[n]arene-Based Smart Nanomaterials

“…Recent reviews have focused on PA-based amphiphilic assemblies and applications such as adsorption and separation. − In this review, we highlight the latest advances on PA-based smart nanomaterials, focusing on sensing (electrochemical and fluorescence), catalysis, drug delivery, and artificial ion channels (nanochannels) (Scheme ), with the aim to provide an overview on their design, construction strategies, and applications.…”

“…Although pillar[n]arene-based DDS have been reviewed, the focus has been on assemblies formed by host−guest interactions with PAs. 12,67,68 Herein, we present 10b). DOX-5@MCM-41 was responsive to acidic pH, where MCM-41 becomes protonated, hence releasing 5 and DOX (Figure 10d).…”

“…Although pillar­[ n ]­arene-based DDS have been reviewed, the focus has been on assemblies formed by host–guest interactions with PAs. ,, Herein, we present a selection of the most recent advances in DDS using PA-functionalized nanomaterials.…”

Controlled release of drug molecules by pillararene-modified nanosystems

“…Controlled release of drugs is one of the most significant applications of stimuli-responsive nanosystems, which contributes to targeted therapy. 15,16 Drugs are loaded into a nanosystem formed by the self-assembled host–guest system. Under specific stimuli (light, temperature, pH, glutathione, ions, etc.…”

Anthracene-Containing Metallacycles and Metallacages: Structures, Properties, and Applications

“…The construction of discrete supramolecular metallacycles and metallacages with well-defined sizes, shapes, and geometries has attracted considerable attention [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Based on the coordination-driven self-assembly strategy, the spontaneous formation of metalligand coordination bonds between Lewis-basic organic donor and Lewis-acidic metal acceptor fabricates a large number of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) metallasupramolecular architectures, such as molecular triangles, squares, hexagons, polygons, polyhedrons, etc., [7][8][9][10][11].…”