Acyclic cucurbit[n]uril conjugated dextran for drug encapsulation and bioimaging

Abstract

An acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) conjugated dextran is developed as a new biomaterial for drug delivery and bioimaging. This biomaterial retains the host–guest recognition properties of acyclic CB[n]s. It is able to directly encapsulate anti-tumor drugs 5-fluorouracil and temozolomide. This polymeric material can form a supramolecular assembly with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Although there is no conventional chromophore in these supramolecular systems, they exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in water with a quantum yield of 10%. This supramolecular assembly is used for bioimaging in vitro with good biocompatibility.