Recent progress in macrocyclic amphiphiles and macrocyclic host-based supra-amphiphiles

Abstract

Macrocycle-based amphiphiles, including macrocyclic amphiphiles and macrocyclic host-based supra-amphiphiles, are a class of amphiphiles which are capable of self-assembling into multidimensional assemblies with defined nanostructures. By involving host–guest recognition, these amphiphiles can be tailored to fabricate new topological structures and fulfill multiple applications. Compared with covalent-bonded traditional amphiphiles and polymeric amphiphiles, the introduction of host–guest interactions facilitates the design, synthesis and controllability of these amphiphilic systems. Moreover, host–guest interactions usually possess stimuli-responsive properties, which further endow self-assemblies of macrocycle-based amphiphiles with fantastic functions. In this review, we summarize recent progress in macrocyclic amphiphiles and macrocyclic host-based supra-amphiphiles, with a focus on novel functions and applications of self-assemblies of these amphiphiles.