Monofunctionalised cucurbit[6]uril synthesis using imidazolium host-guest complexation

Dual-Signal Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (Dusi-CEST): An Efficient Strategy for Visualizing Drug Delivery Monitoring in Living Cells

We report a dual-signal chemical exchange saturation transfer (Dusi-CEST) strategy for drug delivery and detection in living cells. The two signals can be detected by operators in complex environments. This strategy is demonstrated on a cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) nanoparticle probe, as an example. The CB[6] probe is equipped with two kinds of hydrophobic cavities: one is found inside CB[6] itself, whereas the other exists inside the nanoparticle. When the probe is dispersed in aqueous solution as part of a hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR experiment, two signals appear at two different chemical shifts (100 and 200 ppm). These two resonances correspond to the NMR signals of 129Xe in the two different cavities. Upon loading with hydrophobic drugs, such as paclitaxel, for intracellular drug delivery, the two resonances undergo significant changes upon drug loading and cargo release, giving rise to a metric enabling the assessment of drug delivery success. The simultaneous change of Dusi-CEST likes a mobile phone that can receive both LTE and Wi-Fi signals, which can help reduce the occurrence of false positives and false negatives in complex biological environments and help improve the accuracy and sensitivity of single-shot detection.

Challenges and Opportunities of Functionalized Cucurbiturils for Biomedical Applications

Cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) macrocycles (especially CB[5] to CB[8]) have shown exceptional attributes since their discovery in 2000. Their stability, water solubility, responsiveness to several stimuli, and remarkable binding properties have enabled a growing number of biological applications. Yet, soon after their discovery, the challenge of their functionalization was set. Nevertheless, after more than two decades, a myriad of CB[n] derivatives has been described, many of them used in cells or in vivo for advanced applications. This perspective summarizes key advances of this burgeoning field and points to the next opportunities and remaining challenges to fully express the potential of these fascinating macrocycles in biology and biomedical sciences.

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.

Monofunctionalized Fluorinated Bambusurils and Their Conjugates for Anion Transport and Extraction

Bambusurils are macrocyclic molecules that are known for their high binding affinity and selectivity toward anions. Here, we present the preparation of two bambusurils bearing fluorinated substituents and one carboxylic function. These monofunctionalized bambusurils were conjugated with crown ether and cholesterol units. The resulting conjugates were successfully tested in liquid-liquid extraction of inorganic salts and chloride/bicarbonate transport across lipid bilayers.

Construction of cucurbit[n]uril-based supramolecular frameworks via host-guest inclusion and functional properties thereof

Frameworks utilizing cucurbit[n]uril-based chemistry build on the rapid developments in the fields of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), and supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs), and as porous materials have found...

Selective Separation of Hexachloroplatinate(IV) Dianions Based on Exo-Binding with Cucurbit[6]uril

The recognition and separation of anions attracts attention from chemists, materials scientists, and engineers. Employing exo-binding of artificial macrocycles to selectively recognize anions remains a challenge in supramolecular chemistry. We report the instantaneous co-crystallization and concomitant co-precipitation between [PtCl₆ ]^2- dianions and cucurbit[6]uril, which relies on the selective recognition of these dianions through noncovalent bonding interactions on the outer surface of cucurbit[6]uril. The selective [PtCl₆ ]^2- dianion recognition is driven by weak [Pt-Cl⋅⋅⋅H-C] hydrogen bonding and [Pt-Cl⋅⋅⋅C=O] ion-dipole interactions. The synthetic protocol is highly selective. Recognition is not observed in combinations between cucurbit[6]uril and six other Pt- and Pd- or Rh-based chloride anions. We also demonstrated that cucurbit[6]uril is able to separate selectively [PtCl₆ ]^2- dianions from a mixture of [PtCl₆ ]^2- , [PdCl₄ ]^2- , and [RhCl₆ ]^3- anions. This protocol could be exploited to recover platinum from spent vehicular three-way catalytic converters and other platinum-bearing metal waste.

An Activatable Host-Guest Conjugate as a Nanocarrier for Effective Drug Release through Self-Inclusion

There is a challenge in supramolecular chemotherapy for constructing a system equipped with both sufficient protection and high-efficiency release of drugs. To this end, a new strategy of an activatable host-guest conjugate with self-inclusion property is proposed. Based on the binding affinity gain of intramolecular host-guest self-inclusion, an activatable host-guest conjugate was designed, bearing cucurbit[7]uril as the host, an alkyl ammonium moiety as the guest, and the redox-responsive disulfide linkage. Oxaliplatin, a clinical antitumor drug, could be firmly encapsulated by the activatable host-guest conjugate to form the supramolecular drug with high stability. Moreover, oxaliplatin loaded in the activatable host-guest conjugate could be almost completely released by self-inclusion triggered by glutathione in a tumor microenvironment, thus exhibiting comparable antitumor bioactivity with naked oxaliplatin through in vitro cell experiments. It is highly anticipated that this line of research may open new horizons for programmable and on-demand supramolecular chemotherapy with high antitumor efficiency.

Recent investigations into synthesis and pharmacological activities of phenoxy acetamide and its derivatives (chalcone, indole and quinoline) as possible therapeutic candidates

Medicinal chemistry can rightfully be regarded as a cornerstone in the public health of our modern society that combines chemistry and pharmacology with the aim of designing and developing new pharmaceutical compounds. For this purpose, many chemical techniques as well as new computational chemistry applications are used to study the utilization of drugs and their biological effects. In the biological interface, medicinal chemistry constitutes a group of interdisciplinary sciences, as well as controlling its organic, physical and computational pillars. Therefore, medicinal chemists working to design an integrated and developing system that portends an era of novel and safe tailored drugs either by synthesizing new pharmaceuticals or to improving the processes by which existing pharmaceuticals are made. It includes researching the effects of synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural biologically active substances based on molecular interactions in terms of molecular structure with triggered functional groups or the specific physicochemical properties. The present work focuses on the literature survey of chemical diversity of phenoxy acetamide and its derivatives (Chalcone, Indole and Quinoline) in the molecular framework in order to get complete information regarding pharmacologically interesting compounds of widely different composition. From a biological and industrial point of view, this literature review may provide an opportunity for the chemists to design new derivatives of phenoxy acetamide and its derivatives that proved to be the successful agent in view of safety and efficacy to enhance life quality.

Cucurbit[n]uril-Based Supramolecular Frameworks Assembled through Outer-Surface Interactions

Porous materials, especially metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and supramolecular organic frameworks, are widely used in heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption, and ion exchange. Cucurbit[n]urils (Q[n]s) suitable building units for porous materials because they possess cavities with neutral electrostatic potential, portal carbonyls with negative electrostatic potential, and outer surfaces with positive electrostatic potential, which may result in the formation of Q[n]-based supramolecular frameworks (QSFs) assembled through the interaction of guests within Q[n]s, the coordination of Q[n]s with metal ions, and outer-surface interaction of Q[n]s (OSIQ). This review summarizes the various QSFs assembled via OSIQs. The QSFs can be classified as being assembled by 1) self-induced OSIQ, 2) anion-induced OSIQ, and 3) aromatic-induced OSIQ. The design and construction of QSFs with novel structures and specific functional properties may establish a new research direction in Q[n] chemistry.

Cucurbituril-Oriented Nanoplatforms in Biomedical Applications

Cucucrbituril (CB) belongs to a family of macrocycles that are easily accessible. Their structural specificity provides excellent molecular recognition capabilities, with the ability to be readily chemically modified. Because of these properties, researchers have found CB to be a useful molecular carrier for delivering drug molecules and therapeutic biomolecules. Their significance lies in the fact that CB not only increases the solubility and stability of an encapsulated guest but also provides the possibility to achieve targeted delivery of the guest molecule. Therefore, the emergence of CB undoubtedly provides opportunities for the development of targeted drug delivery in an era where intelligent drugs have attracted considerable attention. It has also been found that CB can enhance fluorescent dyes, allowing the preparation of biosensors with enhanced sensitivity for use in clinical settings. In the present review, the acquisition, properties, and structural modifications of CB are first comprehensively described, and then the value of this macrocycle in applications within the medical field is discussed. In addition, we have also summarized patent applications of CB in this field over recent years, aiming to illustrate the current status of developments of this molecule. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by CB in the medical field and future trends in its development.

Encapsulation of ionic liquids inside cucurbiturils

Cucurbit[n]urils (CBn, n = 6-8) serve as molecular receptors for imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) in aqueous solution. The amphiphilic nature of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium guests (Cnmim), with a cationic imidazolium residue and a hydrophobic alkyl chain, enabled their complexation with CBn through a combination of the hydrophobic effect and ion-dipole interactions. 1H NMR experiments revealed that the cavity of CBn can host the hydrophobic chain of the ILs, while one of the carbonyl rims served as a docking site for the imidazolium ring. The structure of the complexes was further analyzed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which indicated that the cavity of CB6 can accommodate up to 5 carbon atoms, while the larger cavity of CB7 and CB8 can encapsulate longer alkyl chains in folded conformations. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments provided up to micromolar affinity of ILs to CBn in aqueous solution, which was independently quantified by indicator displacement titrations.

Monofunctionalized Bambus[6]urils and Their Conjugates with Crown Ethers for Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Inorganic Salts

Bambusurils are a growing family of macrocyclic anion receptors. In this Letter, we present the first syntheses of monofunctionalized bambusurils and their use for the preparation of heteroditopic bambusuril-crown ether conjugates suitable for the extraction of ion pairs from water to chloroform.

Probing Reversible Guest Binding with Hyperpolarized 129Xe-NMR: Characteristics and Applications for Cucurbit[n]urils

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) are a family of macrocyclic host molecules that find various applications in drug delivery, molecular switching, and dye displacement assays. The CB[n]s with n = 5-7 have also been studied with 129Xe-NMR. They bind the noble gas with a large range of exchange rates. Starting with insights from conventional direct detection of bound Xe, this review summarizes recent achievements with chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) detection of efficiently exchanging Xe in various CB[n]-based supramolecular systems. Unprecedented sensitivity has been reached by combining the CEST method with hyperpolarized Xe, the production of which is also briefly described. Applications such as displacement assays for enzyme activity detection and rotaxanes as emerging types of Xe biosensors are likewise discussed in the context of biomedical applications and pinpoint future directions for translating this field to preclinical studies.

Triazole functionalized acyclic cucurbit[n]uril-type receptors: host·guest recognition properties

We report the synthesis of three new triazole functionalized acyclic CB[n]-type receptors (2-4) by click chemistry. The compounds have good solubility in water (≥8 mM) and do not undergo strong self-association (Ks ≤ 903 M-1). We measured the binding constants of 2-4 toward guests 9-24 and compared the results to those obtained for the prototypical acyclic CB[n]-type receptor 1. The X-ray crystal structure of 4 is also described.

Supramolecular chemistry of substituted cucurbit[n]urils

This review covers important advances in the field of substituted cucurbit[n]urils.

Ramachandran A, Mohamed AP, Pillai S. Photonic band gap effect and dye-encapsulated cucurbituril-triggered enhanced fluorescence using monolithic colloidal photonic crystals

Enhanced fluorescence was achieved by tuning the photonic band gaps in colloidal photonic crystals and host–guest chemistry.

Acyclic Cucurbit[n]uril Type Receptors: Secondary Versus Tertiary Amide Arms

Two acyclic CB[n]-type hosts (1 and 2) which possess four 2° or 3° amide arms are reported; 1 and 2 are slightly soluble in water and do not self-associate. Host 2 has four 3° amide arms that exist as a mixture of E- and Z-isomers. ¹H NMR was used to qualitatively investigate the binding properties of 1 and 2 which indicates they retain the essential binding features of macrocyclic CB[n] hosts (e.g. cavity binding of hydrophobic residues and portal binding of cationic groups). We measured the K_a values of 1 and 2 toward guests 6 - 12, methamphetamine, and fentanyl by ITC to evaluate their potential as in vivo sequestration agents. Neutral hosts 1 and 2 bind less tightly than tetraanionic hosts M1, ACB1, and ACB2. We attribute the lower K_a values to the absence of secondary ion-ion (ammonium•••sulfonate or ammonium•••carboxylate) electrostatic interactions for host•guest complexes of 1 and 2. The secondary amide functionality on 1 decreases affinity by formation of intramolecular NH•••O=C H-bonds. Tertiary amide host 2 binds even more weakly than 1 due to backfolding of the amide N-CH₃-groups of 2 into its own cavity. The x-ray crystal structure of 2 supports this conclusion.

Cucurbit[n]uril-based amphiphiles that self-assemble into functional nanomaterials for therapeutics

In this feature article, the two types (molecular amphiphile and supramolecular amphiphile) of CB-based amphiphiles, their self-assemblies and their applications for useful nanotherapeutics and theranostics are presented with future perspectives.

An Indirect Synthetic Approach toward Conformationally Constrained 20-Membered Unclosed Cryptands via Late-Stage Installation of Intraannular Substituents

A new protocol for PTC-mediated O-alkylation of the intraannular position of 20-membered unclosed cryptands (UCs) is reported. In contrast to the classical, "direct" strategy, which requires functionalization of the lariat arm at the beginning of synthesis, this "indirect" approach enables the late-stage introduction of various benzylic substituents after an unfavorable macrocyclization step (11 examples, yields up to 98%). Notably, this method permits preparation of, previously inaccessible, crowded UCs bearing 1-acetylpyrene substituent and dimer joined by p-xylene linker.

Dynamic Hydrogels from Host-Guest Supramolecular Interactions

Hydrogel biomaterials are pervasive in biomedical use. Applications of these soft materials range from contact lenses to drug depots to scaffolds for transplanted cells. A subset of hydrogels is prepared from physical cross-linking mediated by host-guest interactions. Host macrocycles, the most recognizable supramolecular motif, facilitate complex formation with an array of guests by inclusion in their portal. Commonly, an appended macrocycle forms a complex with appended guests on another polymer chain. The formation of poly(pseudo)rotaxanes is also demonstrated, wherein macrocycles are threaded by a polymer chain to give rise to physical cross-linking by secondary non-covalent interactions or polymer jamming. Host-guest supramolecular hydrogels lend themselves to a variety of applications resulting from their dynamic properties that arise from non-covalent supramolecular interactions, as well as engineered responsiveness to external stimuli. These are thus an exciting new class of materials.

Supramolecular hydrogels encapsulating bioengineered mesenchymal stem cells for ischemic therapy

We developed supramolecular hyaluronate (HA) hydrogels to encapsulate genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of limb ischemia. In vivo angiogenic factors could be produced stably by the bioengineered MSCs (BMSCs) within the supramolecular hydrogels showing effective vascular repair and enhanced blood perfusion.

Investigation on the hydrolytic mechanism of cucurbit[6]uril in alkaline solution

The structure of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]), as a fascinating supramolecular receptor, is regarded as 'indestructible'. Herein, we investigated the hydrolysis of CB[6] catalysed by alkali. Our results showed that CB[6] was easily hydrolysed in 30% NaOH at 160°C within 3 h. Separation and purification of hydrolytic products demonstrated the presence of NH₃, CO₂, HCOONa, glycine and hydantoic acid. Based on the studies of the hydrolysis of substances similar to CB[6] including 4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea, glycoluril and glycoluril dimer, we proposed that a plausible reaction mechanism involved a Cannizzaro reaction, which is supported by HPLC, mass spectrometry data and previous reports. Further studies are dedicated towards a controlled hydrolysis of CB[6], which will provide a new route for direct functionalization of CB[6].

Supramolecular polymeric chemotherapy based on cucurbit[7]uril-PEG copolymer

We develop a strategy of supramolecular polymeric chemotherapy based on a new kind of water-soluble polymer that bears cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) in the main-chain. To this end, we synthesized a bis-alkynyl functionalized CB[7] and polymerized it with α,ω-diazide-PEG through click reaction to form the desired CB[7] based main-chain polymer (poly-CB[7]). Anticancer drug, oxaliplatin, could be encapsulated into the cavity of poly-CB[7] to form a supramolecular polymeric complex, which displayed low cytotoxicity to normal cells. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the oxaliplatin was recovered when the complex met cancer cells that could overexpress spermine, e.g. colorectal cancer cell, through competitive replacement of oxaliplatin from CB[7] cavity by spermine. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity of the supramolecular polymeric complex to cancer cells is higher than oxaliplatin itself. The enhanced cytotoxicity should result from a combined effect by combining the release of oxaliplatin from the supramolecular polymeric complex and decrease of spermine in the micro-environment of the cancer cells, as spermine is needed for cell growth and proliferation. One more advantage of the supramolecular polymeric complex is its long circulation performance in vivo compared with the supramolecular complex between oxaliplatin and CB[7]. Therefore, this line of research may open new horizons for supramolecular polymeric chemotherapy.

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.

Gas-phase fragmentation of 1-adamantylbisimidazolium salts and their complexes with cucurbit[7]uril studied using selectively 2 H-labeled guest molecules

RATIONALE

Bisimidazolium salts (BIMs) represent an interesting family of ditopic ligands that are used in the construction of supramolecular systems with hosts based on cyclodextrins or cucurbit[n]urils. Understanding the fragmentation mechanism of individual BIMs and how this mechanism changes after complexation with cucurbit[n]urils can bring new insight into the intrinsic host-guest relationship, thereby allowing utilization of mass spectrometry to describe binding behavior.

METHODS

Selectively ² H-labeled bisimidazolium salts were prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. All MSⁿ experiments were conducted in the positive-ion mode using an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion-trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the proposed fragments were supported by theoretical optimizations performed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of density functional theory (DFT) using the Spartan'14 program.

RESULTS

Using selectively deuterium-labeled isotopologues of two adamantylated bisimidazolium salts and DFT calculations, we describe the fragmentation pathways of bisimidazolium salts. The release of two important adamantane moieties, [C₁₁ H₁₇ ]⁺ and C₁₁ H₁₆ , from M²⁺ was determined, although the former was strongly preferred. In contrast, when M²⁺ was complexed with CB7, the neutral loss of the C₁₁ H₁₆ fragment was favored. The fragmentation pattern strongly depended on the steric hindrance of the M²⁺ guest against slippage of the CB7 unit over the guest molecular axle.

CONCLUSIONS

The structures of two adamantane-based fragments and the mechanisms of their formation were rationalized. Two distinct geometric arrangements for the adamantane cage inside the CB7 cavity were hypothesized to explain the differences in the fragmentation patterns for guests with minimal, moderate, and high steric hindrance. This finding brings new insight into the understanding of intrinsic behavior of the adamantane-based guests inside the CB7 cavity.

Thermal responsiveness and binding affinity of cucurbit[7]uril terminal poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

The introduction of CB[7] and guests raised the LCST of PNIPAM significantly, and CB[7]-PNIPAM maintained the high binding affinity of CB[7].

Dimeric molecular clips based on glycoluril

Phenylene-bridged glycoluril dimers are used for the construction of supramolecular host molecules with high affinity towards methylviologen in water.

Surveying macrocyclic chemistry: from flexible crown ethers to rigid cyclophanes

This review features the progress made in the development of macrocycles since Pedersen's ground-breaking discovery of the crown ethers in 1967.

Modulating the oxidation of cucurbit[n]urils

The functionalisation of cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles carried out through an oxidative approach in water using ammonium persulfate was studied.

Template-directed synthesis of cucurbituril analogues using propanediurea as a building block

Cucurbituril-like macrocycles were prepared in moderate yields by condensing propanediurea with formaldehyde, using, respectively, CaCl₂ and BaCl₂ as templates.

From Packed "Sandwich" to "Russian Doll": Assembly by Charge-Transfer Interactions in Cucurbit[10]uril

As the host possessing the largest cavity in the cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) family, CB[10] has previously displayed unusual recognition and assembly properties with guests but much remains to be explored. Herein, we present the recognition properties of CB[10] toward a series of bipyridinium guests including the tetracationic cyclophane known as blue box along with electron-rich guests and detail the influence of encapsulation on the charge-transfer interactions between guests. For the mono-bipyridinium guest (methylviologen, MV²⁺ ), CB[10] not only forms 1:1 and 1:2 inclusion complexes, but also enhances the charge-transfer interactions between methylviologen and dihydroxynaphthalene (HN) by mainly forming the 1:2:1 packed "sandwich" complex (CB[10]⋅2 MV²⁺ ⋅HN). For guest 1 with two bipyridinium units, an interesting conformational switching from linear to "U" shape is observed by adding catechol to the solution of CB[10] and the guest. For the tetracationic cyclophane-blue box, CB[10] forms a stable 1:1 inclusion complex; the two bipyridinium units tilt inside the cavity of CB[10] according to the X-ray crystal structure. Finally, a supramolecular "Russian doll" was built up by threading a guest through the cavities of both blue box and CB[10].