Issue 48, 2019

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems based on pillar[n]arenes and their related applications

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems (SRNS) have been a trending interdisciplinary research area due to flexibly being able to switch functions through exposure to appropriate stimuli, which makes the systems very attractive in multiple fields where precise control is key. Pillar[n]arenes, as a new generation of macrocyclic host molecules, possess captivating properties including versatile chemical modifiability, rigid electron-rich structure and tuneable size of the cavity, and have become extremely valuable molecules/building blocks in constructing SRNS via non-covalent interactions. Significantly, numerous SRNS based on pillar[n]arenes have been fabricated in the past few years and found extensive applications in hydrogels, sensors, bioimaging, diagnosis, and, importantly, controlled drug release. In this review, we highlight the advances of SRNS based on pillar[n]arenes, which are categorised in terms of response factors including pH, redox, enzymes, temperature, light and ions. The related applications of pillar[n]arenes are then summarized into the following areas: fluorescent chemosensors, drug delivery, molecular switches, and other functional materials. In addition, the future potential for construction of SRNS based on pillar[n]arenes and their applications are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems based on pillar[n]arenes and their related applications

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
04 Sept. 2019
Accepted
11 Nov. 2019
First published
11 Nov. 2019

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7656-7675

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems based on pillar[n]arenes and their related applications

Y. Wang, Z. Pei, W. Feng and Y. Pei, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 7656 DOI: 10.1039/C9TB01913H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements