Enhanced photodynamic therapy through supramolecular photosensitizers with an adamantyl-functionalized porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer

A supramolecular photosensitizer was constructed using a tetra-adamantane-functionalized porphyrin and a dimer of permethyl-β-cyclodextrin through host-guest interaction and self-assembly. The porphyrin/cyclodextrin alternating structure of supramolecular photosensitizers not only enhances the water solubility of the photosensitizers, but also effectively inhibits the aggregation-induced quenching of porphyrin photosensitizers.

Degradable polycaprolactone nanoparticles stabilized via supramolecular host–guest interactions with pH-responsive polymer-pillar[5]arene conjugates

Smart nano-carriers such as micelles, vesicles or nanoparticles constructed from amphiphilic polymers promise a new generation of drug delivery systems featuring localized and controlled release.

Pillararene-based self-assembled amphiphiles

Pillararenes are a unique group of supramolecular macrocycles, presenting important features and potential applications on account of their intrinsic structural properties and functionality. Developing pillararene-based self-assembled amphiphiles (PSAs) is an efficient approach to translate pillararenes into functional systems and materials for facilitating their practical applications. In this review article, we highlight recent significant advancements in PSAs. A new standard according to the number, solubility, and amphiphilicity of building blocks is employed for dividing PSAs into different categories. The fabrication of PSAs based on various building blocks and supramolecular interactions, and the formation of amphiphile-based self-assemblies are then discussed based on this standard. Furthermore, interesting stimulus-responsiveness to various factors, such as pH, redox, temperature, light, ionic effect, and host-guest competition, generated by the functional groups on various building blocks is summarized, and the corresponding supramolecular interactions in PSAs and their self-assemblies are elaborated. In addition, some important applications of PSAs and their assemblies are discussed. This review not only provides fundamental findings on the construction of PSAs, but also foresees future research directions in this rapidly developing area.

Enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) via water-soluble pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular complexes

A supramolecular nanovesicle was constructed by complexation between pyrophaeophorbide A (PPhA) and water-soluble pillar[5]arene, and then a biotin-pyridinium targeting agent was introduced to its surface. This nanovesicle exhibited reduced aggregation of PPhA photosensitizers and high targeting ability towards cancer cells, thereby leading to excellent therapeutic efficacy under red light.

Bis- and mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arenes

Installation of m-benzoic acid functionalities on pillar[5]arene rims resulted in bis- and mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arenes 1 and 2. Bis(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arene 1 was able to self-assemble to form one-dimensional channels with DMF molecules residing in pillar[5]arene cavities. Esterification of two carboxylic acids in 1 with decane-1,10-diol did not afford a [1]catenane, but a bicyclic compound. Although 1-decanol esterification of mono(m-benzoic acid)-functionalized pillar[5]arene 2 did not form a self-included [1]pseudorotaxane-like structure, a mono(decyl m-benzoate)-functionalized pillar[5]arene bearing an ethyl acetate chain was found to form a self-included complex with the ethyl acetate moiety residing inside the pillar[5]arene cavity.

Thermo- and oxidation-responsive supramolecular vesicles constructed from self-assembled pillar[6]arene-ferrocene based amphiphilic supramolecular diblock copolymers

Thermo- and oxidation-responsive pillar[6]arene-ferrocene based supramolecular vesicles were constructed for controlled drug release.

Light induced construction of porous covalent organic polymeric networks for significant enhancement of CO2 gas sorption

Porous covalent organic polymers were prepared from self-assembled fibers using a topochemical polymerization reaction and their four times higher CO₂ sorption behaviour is demonstrated.

The first water-soluble pillar[5]arene dimer: synthesis and construction of a reversible fluorescent supramolecular polymer network in water

The first water-soluble pillar[5]arene dimer was successfully designed and synthesized. It can complex with carboxylate anion functionalized tetraphenyl ethylene to form a reversible fluorescent supramolecular polymer network in water.

Redox-responsive supramolecular amphiphiles based on a pillar[5]arene for enhanced photodynamic therapy

Supramolecular amphiphiles based on a pillar[5]arene with enhanced photodynamic therapy have been fabricated.

Novel functionalized pillar[5]arene: synthesis, assembly and application in sequential fluorescent sensing for Fe3+ and F− in aqueous media

The synthesis, assembly and applications of novel functionalized pillar[5]arene in the sequential fluorescent sensing of Fe³⁺ and F⁻ in aqueous media is reported.