Host-Guest Chemistry in Supramolecular Theranostics

Abstract

Macrocyclic hosts, such as cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, exhibit unparalleled advantages in disease diagnosis and therapy over the past years by fully taking advantage of their host-guest molecular recognitions. The dynamic nature of the non-covalent interactions and selective host-guest complexation endow the resultant nanomaterials with intriguing properties, holding promising potentials in theranostic fields. Interestingly, the differences in microenvironment between the abnormal and normal cells/tissues can be employed as the stimuli to modulate the host-guest interactions, realizing the purpose of precise diagnosis and specific delivery of drugs to lesion sites. In this review, we summarize the progress of supramolecular theranostics on the basis of host-guest chemistry benefiting from their fantastic topological structures and outstanding supramolecular chemistry. These state-of-the-art examples provide new methodologies to overcome the obstacles faced by the traditional theranostic systems, promoting their clinical translations.

1. Introduction

Different from traditional molecular chemistry on the basis of the covalent bonding of atoms, supramolecular chemistry, “chemistry beyond the molecule”, is based on the intermolecular interactions, in which the building blocks are linked together by non-covalent bonds ^1-6. The origin of supramolecular chemistry is from the living biological systems, nucleic acid assembly, phospholipid membranes, protein folding, ribosomes, and microtubules are the representative examples of supramolecular self-assemblies, playing critical roles in a variety of biological processes ^7-11. The most fantastic property of supramolecular chemistry is the dynamic nature, endowing the resultant architectures with interesting stimuli-responsiveness ^12-17. A series of non-covalent interactions, such as π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand coordinations, electrostatic interactions, Van der Waals force, and charge-transfer interactions, have been extensively employed to construct sophisticated materials by hierarchically organizing the building blocks ^17-24. Among them, the supramolecular systems fabricated from host-guest interactions exhibit some extraordinary properties arising from the introduction of macrocylic hosts, exhibiting promising potentials in various fields, especially in biomedical applications ^25-29.

The binding affinities of the host-guest complexes can be adjusted by external stimuli, such as temperature, ion, pH, redox, enzyme, and light ^30-34. Coincidentally, these stimuli are the differences in the microenvironment between the normal cells/tissues and the lesion ones. Therefore, smart supramolecular systems possessing theranostic functions can be developed that are sensitive to the specific stimulus, realizing the purpose of precise diagnosis and targeting delivery of cargoes to lesion sites ^35-39. Indeed, some limitations faced by the traditional theranostic platforms are effectively overcome by taking full advantage of host-guest chemistry ^40-43. For example, the formation of host-guest inclusion complexes greatly enhances the solubility/stability of anticancer drugs in physiological environment and maintains their activity, such as paclitaxel (PTX), camptothecin (CPT), and cisplatin ^44-46. Additionally, host-guest complexations allow the incorporation of functional groups into one platform through “Lego-like” approaches. The imaging probes, targeting ligands, and therapeutic agents can be conjugated on the hosts or guests separately, avoiding tedious and time-consuming synthesis ^47-51. The pharmacokinetic profiles and excretion pathway of the low molecular weight drugs can be optimized through supramolecular strategy, favorable to increasing their therapeutic outcome and diminish the side effect. More interestingly, the loaded cargoes in the supramolecular theranostic systems can be released in the sites of active due to the dissociation of the host-guest linkages triggered by the specific stimulus in abnormal lesions.

Benefiting from the distinct advantages, several breakthroughs have been achieved in theranostic fields using host-guest chemistry, and some of them are already in clinical trials or approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). It should be pointed out that host-guest complexes are used industrially in pharmaceutical and allied applications decades ago mainly using cyclodextrins as macrocyclic hosts, while these hosts are typically “one trick ponies”, their sole role is to complex and deliver the drugs. Attributing to the vigorous development of nanotechnology and imaging modalities, smart theranostic systems are fabricated recently combining therapeutic and diagnostic functions, making the host-guest systems visible in vitro and in vivo ⁵². Their delivery, internalization, and excretion processes can be monitored, and the therapeutic results can be assessed using various imaging methods, including fluorescence imaging, positron emission tomography (PET)/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), X-ray computed tomography (CT), ultrasound imaging (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic imaging (PA). Considering the promising potentials in clinical translations, supramolecular theranostics are attracting more and more attentions from chemists, materials scientists, biologists, and physicians. In this review, we summarise the progresses of supramolecular theranostics over the past years on the basis of host-guest chemistry, especially in cancer theranostics. Since various macrocycles are used in the construction of supramolecular theranostics including cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, the following discussions are classified according to the types of macrocyclic molecules involved.

2. Cyclodextrin-based supramolecular theranostics

Cyclodextrins (CDs) including α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins, are the macrocyclic oligosaccharides containing six, seven and eight _D-glucoses, respectively, which are connected by α-1,4-glucosidic linkers to form a toroidal structure with a primary and a secondary rim ^53-57. CDs are feasible hosts for hydrophobic guests in aqueous media driving by the hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions in the nonpolar cavities ^{58, 59}. The solubility of most drugs is extremely poor in water, so their applications are greatly limited and several clinical trials are failed for this reason. Fortunately, this issue can be solved by the formation of CD-drug inclusion complex, bringing new hopes for the failed drugs. Compared with other macrocycles, CDs are the most popular additives in pharmaceutical products for the following reasons: (1) CDs are seminatural products that are produced in thousands of tons per year from starch with low cost. (2) CDs are highly biocompatible that can be directly used as ingredients of foods, drugs, or cosmetics. (3) The binding affinities between CDs and specific guests are strong enough to stabilize the complexes in physiological environment, while the loaded cargoes can be released from the cavity when they arrive to the destination. (4) The cavity provides a hydrophobic environment to protect the drugs from enzymatic hydrolysis during circulation and delivery processes, facilitating to maintain their bioactivity.

2.1. Supramolecular imaging

Molecular imaging is an indispensable tool in modern diagnostics, which provides important biological information in living systems at the molecular level ^60-65. On the other hand, the different aspects of the drug delivery processes, such as pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, accumulation at the target sites, kinetics of drug release, and treatment efficacy can be quantitatively monitored using non-invasive imaging techniques. Over the past decades, a series of sophisticated probes have been exploited, which have profoundly improved the performance of imaging modalities. However, several limitations still exist for the commonly used imaging probes. For example, the quantum yields of the fluorophores are always unsatisfactory and the fluorescence can be quenched during the delivery and imaging processes. For gadolinium-based contrasts, their relatively weak contrast effect and nephrotoxicity greatly limit their clinical applications. These shortages can be possibly solved or overcome through supramolecular formulations using host-guest chemistry by changing the properties and excretion of the probes.

Due to the non-invasive nature, non-ionizing radiation, and excellent spatial resolution, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has extensive applications in the diagnosis of diseases and the understanding of biological processes over the past decades ^66-69. Among various contrast agents, Gd³⁺ chelates are widely accepted by physicians, because they are easy to administer and provide positive longitudinal (T₁) weighted. Unfortunately, the low longitudinal relaxivity (r₁) and nephrotoxicity greatly limit the application of the commercial Gd³⁺-based agents ^70-76. Thompson et al. grafted the contrast (Gd³⁺-DO3A) to 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and further prepared a polyrotaxane (Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD/Pluronic PR) through host-guest chemistry, in which Pluronic F127 worked as the axle and Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD was the wheel locked by two cholesterol stoppers on both sides ⁷⁷. Through chemical modification and supramolecular self-assembly, the enhancement ratio in the blood of Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD/Pluronic PR was approximately 2-fold of Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD, while the amount in the kidneys was effectively reduced. The alteration in pharmacokinetics and excretion pathway facilitated to avoid the toxicity of Gd³⁺-based agents. Relaxivity measurements indicated that the r₁ values of Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD and Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD/Pluronic PR were 7.82 and 23.83 mM^-1 s^-1 (1.5 T, 37 °C) per Gd chelate respectively. Compared with the Gd³⁺-DO3A-HPCD wheel, the formation of polyrotaxane resulted in a 3-fold improvement in ionic relaxivity stemming from the reduced rotational motion of cyclodextrin units and increased polymer rigidity in this mechanical interlocked molecule.

Hasenknopf et al. utilized cyclodextrin polyrotaxanes as a platform to develop imaging agents ⁷⁸. α-CDs on the axle could be modified by both fluorescence probe BODIPY and MRI contrast Gd-DOTA for bimodal imaging through a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Compared with the commercial Gd-DOTA (3.83 mM^-1 s^-1 at 20 MHz), the r₁ values were increased to 7.06 and 8.57 mM^-1 s^-1 by conjugating one and two Gd-DOTA to α-CD. Interestingly, the r₁ values of the polyrotaxanes increased to 17.43 and 20.95 mM^-1 s^-1 using CD-Gd and CD-Gd₂ as the wheel. Notably, the existence of BODIPY did not influence the molar relaxivity of the polyrotaxane, even a slight enhancement in r₁ value was observed (18.60 mM^-1 s^-1). Due to the increase of the water exchange rate at relatively high temperature, the relaxivities of the polyrotaxanes were further increased at 37 ^oC than at 25 ^oC. Apart from the formation of polyrotaxane, relaxivity also remarkably enhanced upon the formation of the dendrimeric macromolecular host-guest adducts driving by the interactions between β-CD and adamantly (Ada) group ⁷⁹, which resulted from the decrease of the molecular tumbling rate and fast water-exchange. These examples demonstrated the supramolecular approaches were effective for improving the relaxivity properties of the Gd³⁺ complexes as compared with the small molecules, which were not available in other architectures.

Compared with traditional NIR imaging (~700-900 nm), fluorescence imaging in the second biological transparency window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) exhibits great advantages, including high signal-to-noise ratio, high resolution, and deep tissue penetration ^80-84. Until now, a series of organic/inorganic nanomaterials and organic small molecules have been prepared in the last couple of years, in order to collect high-definition NIR-II images at wavelengths well in excess of 1000 nm. Zhang et al. utilized the recognition motif of azobenzne (Azo) and β-CD to realize the assembly and disassembly between Azo modified lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP@Azo) and β-CD modified downconversion nanoprobes (DCNP@β-CD) ⁸⁵, achieving precision bioimaging of tumors (Figure 1). Azo is a photo-responsive groups, the isomerization can be reversibly controlled by UV and visible light ^86-89. However, the tissue penetration of the short wavelength light is poor and the UV irradiation may cause photodamage to tissues. These problems can be solved using UCNP to convert NIR light into the UV/vis light, which can induce the isomerization of Azo group. The interval between two injections of UCNP@Azo (first injection) and DCNP@β-CD (second injection) was optimized to 10 h to obtain stable superior signal-to-noise ratio (Figure 1c). The host-guest complexation in tumor site significantly prolonged the retention time of DCNP@β-CD to afford a stable bioimaging window from 18 to 24 h post injection of the second injection. Importantly, NIR irradiation at 980 nm induced the isomerization transformation from trans state to cis state, resulting in the in vivo disassembly between the UCNP@Azo and DCNP@β-CD. Through this supramolecular strategy, the accumulation of the NIR II probes in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) (liver and spleen) remarkably lowered. The bioimaging background was reduced through NIR-triggered disassembly, the liver retention decreased 2.3 times than that of the assembly strategy, which was also favourable to accelerate the RES clearance rate to avoid long-term systemic toxicity.

Figure 1.

(a) Chemical structure of the building blocks and cartoon representation of UCNP@Azo and DCNP@β-CD. (b) Assembly and disassembly between UCNP@Azo and DCNP@β-CD controlled by host-guest recognition. (c) In vivo assembly of UCNP@Azo and DCNP@β-CD with improved tumor targeting and NIR-triggered disassembly with rapid clearance in liver. Reproduced with permission from ⁸⁵, copyright 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

2.2. Supramolecular chemotherapy

As a systemic anticancer therapy, chemotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment using toxic agents to destroy cancer cells by stopping or slowing their growth. More frequently, chemotherapy is used along with other treatments to improve antitumor outcomes, such as surgery, radiation therapy, phototherapy or immunotherapy. Unfortunately, conventional chemotherapy using the low molecular weight drugs is greatly limited by several issues including poor solubility/stability of the drugs, drug resistance, low antitumor efficacy, and severe side effects. The drawbacks faced by the traditional chemotherapy can be effectively overcome by taking advantages of nanotechnology. Nonspecific distributions of the nanomedicines can be avoided and high tumor accumulation can be realized by exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting, which are helpful to improve antitumor performance and reduce side effect. Recently, host-guest systems on the basis of cyclodextrin recognitions are extensively used as delivery vehicles or drug containers in the fabrications of nanomedicines ^90-92. Considering the stimuli-responsiveness of the non-covalent interactions, these supramolecular nanomedicines exhibited several advantages in cancer therapy.

The size and structure of CDs is suitable for some anticancer drugs to form inclusion complex, such as CPT, PTX, doxorubicin (DOX) and so on. Indeed, a lot of work have been reported and several breakthroughs have been achieved using CDs as containers to complex and deliver the drugs. One successful example (CRLX-101) came from Davis and co-workers ^93-96, who synthesized a PEG-containing polymer containing disubstituted β-CD and CPT grafted to the backbone through a glycine ester linkage with a molecular weight and drug loading capacity of 97 kDa and 6.8% (Figure 2a). The host-guest interactions between β-CD and CPT provided driving forces to form and stabilize the nanoparticles 20-40 nm in diameter (Figure 2b). The pharmacokinetics of CRLX-101 was comprehensively in different models including mice, rats, dogs, and humans, demonstrating that the area under the curves (AUC) was linearly with milligrams of CPT per square meter for all species. The loaded CPT was effectively cleaved from the polymer in tumor tissue led to a tumor to plasma ratio of 2.5 at 24 h further increasing to 21.2 at 48 h post injection. The drug amount in tumor was higher than that in any other organs. In vivo antitumor studies were carried out on different tumor models, such as HT29 colon cancer, LS174T colon cancer, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer, H69 small cell lung cancer, H1299 non-small cell lung cancer, or Panc-1 pancreatic cancer xenografts. All of investigations indicated superior efficacy of this supramolecular drug. More excitingly, this drug has been applied in human phase II clinical trial. The plasma concentration of released CPT in humans was consistent with the results in animals. The data from human patients indicated that CRLX-101 was highly accumulated in tumor site and the active drug released successfully over a period of several days to give inhibition of its target in the tumors of humans. Recent studies suggested that the antitumor performance was further improved by combining CRLX-101 with other drugs, such as bevacizumab, creating complete tumor regressions, reducing metastasis, and extending survival rate of the mice with metastatic disease ^97-99.

Figure 2.

(a) Schematic of CRLX101 and study design. (b) Cryo-TEM image of CRLX101. Reproduced with permission from ⁹⁴, copyright 2016 National Academy of Sciences. (c) Preparation route of LM-NP/Dox-L. (d) pH-Responsive delivery of Dox by LM-NP/Dox-L to the nuclei for the targeted cancer therapy. (e) Chemical structures of MUA-CD and m-HA. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁰⁰, copyright 2015 Nature Publishing Group. (f) Schematic representation of nano-assembly-mediated PTX delivery. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁰¹, copyright 2014 Nature Publishing Group.

For inorganic nanocarriers, the biodegradability is an obstacle impeding their clinical translations. Gu et al. innovatively developed a transformable liquid-metal nanomedicine (LM-NP/Dox-L) through a simple sonication-mediated method (Figure 2c), in which the liquid-phase eutectic gallium-indium was the core ¹⁰⁰. The shell was composed of thiolated (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (MUA-CD) and thiolated hyaluronic acid (m-HA), which served as drug container for DOX and active targeting moiety, respectively. Interestingly, the resultant nanoparticles fused and subsequently degraded in acidic endosomes after cellular internalization, facilitating the drug release and efficient elimination. Attributing to the EPR effect and active targeting mechanisms, LM-NP/Dox-L exhibited extended circulation time and high tumor accumulation, responsible for its supreme tumour inhibition activity. Toxicology evaluations confirmed that the biomarkers related to the liver function, renal function, and haematological assessment were in normal range, indicating the systemic toxicity of LM-NP/Dox-L was low. The strategy established in this work offers a novel method to fabricate theranostic agents with low toxicity.

The solubility of PTX can be significantly enhanced by the formation of inclusion host-guest complex with β-CD. In order to maximize the in vivo anticancer efficacy of PTX and inhibit burst release during circulation, Kim et al. designed a novel nano-assembly for effective anticancer therapy ¹⁰¹. A polymer-cyclodextrin conjugate (pCD) and a polymer-paclitaxel conjugate (pPTX) were synthesized as the building block (Figure 2f). Highly stable nanoparticles were prepared through multivalent host-guest interactions between β-CD and PTX. The binding affinity of pPTX/pCD was 10⁴-fold higher than the monovalent host-guest complex, beneficial to preventing the premature drug release and increasing its circulation time in the blood. AP-1 peptide acting as a targeting ligand towards interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor was further introduced, endowing the nanomedicine (AP-1-pPTX/pCD) with ability to specifically deliver PTX to MDA-MB-231 cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. PTX was conjugated to the polymer backbone through ester linkages, which allowed efficient drug release by enzymatic degradation after cellular uptake. Administration of AP-1-pPTX/pCD significantly suppressed the tumor growth and extended the survival rate of the mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor. The therapeutic result of this supramolecular nanomedicine was much higher than that of the commercially used anticancer drug Taxol, exhibiting promising potential in cancer therapy.

For the nanocarriers no matter organic or inorganic ones, their degradability impeded the clinical translation of nanomedicines. The poor metabolism and inefficient clearance of the exogenous vehicles lead to the interactions with various components of the immune system, inevitably resulting in adverse reactions and long-term immunotoxicity. For example, Cremophor EL, a formulation vehicle in Taxol, is the main cause of severe anaphylactoid hypersensitivity reactions, hyperlipidaemia, aggregation of erythrocytes, abnormal lipoprotein patterns, and peripheral neuropathy. Although the widely used copolymers in nanomedicines are claimed to be biocompatible and biodegradable, such as polycaprolactone and poly(lactic acid), the degradation always takes several weeks or even several months, which is still too long to avoid their potential toxicity. To overcoming nanomaterials-induced toxicity, it is urgent to develop new nanoplatforms that can efficiently deliver drugs to tumors and completely degraded into small molecules for fast clearance from body after drug release.

Chen et al. developed a supramolecular polymer-based nanotheranostics by using CD-SS-CPT as supramolecular monomer ¹⁰², in which the β-CD host and CPT guest was connected by a glutathione (GSH)-responsive disulfide (SS) group (Figure 3). Targeting ligand and imaging contrast were incorporated into the nanoparticles by orthogonal self-assembly in aqueous solution using CPT-PEG-RGD or CPT-PEG-NOTA as supramolecular polymerization initiators. By optimizing the ratio between CD-SS-CPT and CPT-PEG-RGD, supramolecular nanoparticles (SNPs) with relatively high stability and suitable size were prepared due to the dynamic nature of host-guest interactions. On account of the different GSH concentration in the bloodstream (1-10 μM) and inside cells (1-10 mM), SNPs were stable during circulation, while active CPT was release triggered by the intracellular GSH through a cascade reaction. Through this supramolecular strategy, the solubility of CPT was significantly improved by a factor of 232, and the lactone form of CPT was maintained by the formation of inclusion complex. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was utilized to monitor the delivery and distribution of SNPs, indicating high tumor accumulation was realized benefiting from nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry. Superior antitumor performs were observed against HeLa subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic breast tumor models. Additionally, this supramolecular nanomedicine exhibited excellent anti-metastasis effect. The byproduct produced after drug release could be effectively eliminated from body mainly through renal pathway, thus remarkably reducing the systemic toxicity and long-term immunotoxicity of SNPs.

Figure 3.

Supramolecular polymers constructed from the host-guest complexations between CPT and β-CD orthogonally self-assemble into SNPs for cancer theranostics. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁰², copyright 2018 American Chemical Society.

Nanomedicines can be high accumulated in the primary tumor through EPR effect after intravenous injection, however they hardly reach early-stage metastatic tumors that are always nonvascularized and incapable of conforming the EPR effect. Recently, Zhao et al. utilized a hollow polymer-silica nanohybrid to deliver DOX for the treatment of intra-abdominal metastasis ¹⁰³. β-CD was introduced onto the surface as a gatekeeper through the host-guest interactions with Ada groups grafted on the hybrid through a disulfide bond to achieve GSH-responsive release of the loaded DOX. The nanomedicine could be enriched in metastatic tumor through intraperitoneal injection, which was more efficient than intravenous injection, thus resulting in superior therapeutic performance in vivo.

Several breakthroughs have achieved in cancer chemotherapy by increasing the therapeutic efficacy and inhibiting the side effects of the loaded anticancer drugs. DOXiL (DOX liposome), Onivyde (irinotecan liposome), and Abraxane (PTX protein-bound particles) have been approved by FDA to treat several types of cancers as first-line drugs. However, the dilution-induced premature drug release during systemic circulation greatly reduced drug concentration at the target site and increased toxicity towards normal tissues, remaining the major obstacle for their clinical translation. Development of a smart nanomedicine allowing for tailored release profiles with precise spatial and temporal dosage control is urgently desired. Chen et al. developed a novel biomaterial inspired from mechanically interlocked molecules and supramolecular chemistry (Figure 4) ¹⁰⁴. A polyrotaxane was prepared and used as a theranostic platform, where the amphiphilic diblock copolymer acted as the axle and the primary-amino-containing β-CD acted as the wheels (Figure 4a and b). Different from traditional copolymers, nanoparticles formed from this polyrotaxane like a “nanosponge” to encapsulate hydrophobic anticancer drugs with high loading efficient and stability, such as paclitaxel and camptothecin. Interestingly, the “doors” of the nanomedicines were closed through a shell-crosslink strategy by connecting the wheels, thus sealing the anticancer drugs inside the nanoparticles to inhibit the premature drug leakage during circulation. GSH that highly expressed in cancerous cells is the “key” of these “doors”, which can specifically open the “doors” and release the drugs after the cancer cells internalized the nanomedicines (Figure 4c). Additionally, the release rate could be further accelerated using photothermal effect, thus decreasing the side effects. The other stopper of the polyrotaxane (cyclic peptide, cRGDfk) was further utilized to endow the nanomedicines with excellent targeting ability, selectively delivering drugs to cancer cells overexpressing α_vβ₃ integrin receptor. As a consequence, the maximum tolerated dose of the supramolecular nanomedicine is significantly increased by fully taking advantage of the smart topological structure of the polyrotaxane. PET imaging and PA imaging are allowed to trace the delivery, accumulation, bio-distribution, and excretion of the naomedicine. In vivo antitumor investigations confirmed that the combination of chemotherapy with laser-irradiation-active photothermal therapy (PTT) completely eliminated the tumors without any recurrence after a single-dose injection. Moreover, the nanomedicines exhibited excellent anti-metastasis by completely killing the cancer cells in the primary tissue using photochemotherapy. This supramolecular theranostic platform provides a blueprint to guide the design of the next generation of nanomedicines for safe and effective cancer treatment.

Figure 4.

Synthesis and fabrication schematics of SCNPs for supramolecular theranostics. (a) Chemical structures and cartoon representations of the building blocks. (b) Synthetic route to the polyrotaxane. (c) Schematic illustrations of the preparation of drug-loaded SCNPs and dual-responsive drug release. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁰⁴, copyright 2018 Nature Publishing Group.

2.3. Supramolecular gene therapy

Gene therapy, a promising approach for the treatment of many inheritable or acquired diseases, can modify the expression of an individual's genes or that correct abnormal genes through the administration of a specific DNA (or RNA).^105-111 The main challenge to realizing the application of gene therapy is the demand for effective and safe delivery methods to transport short cargoes to the site of action in the cells of target tissues. Naked DNA (or RNA) molecules are negative charged and high soluble, greatly restricting membrane permeation and access to the cytoplasm. On the other hand, the DNA (or RNA) can stimulate the innate immune system and are easily degraded by serum nucleases in the bloodstream. Therefore, new materials/methods are urgently required to assist the delivery of DNA (or RNA) with high efficiency and low side effects. Compared with viral vectors, non-viral materials have attracted tremendous interest, because they are simple to prepare, easy to modify, rather stable, and relatively safe. A broad diversity of non-viral vectors has been employed, such as peptides, polymers, aptamers, lipids, and antibodies.

Davis et al. developed a cationic polycationic oligomers (n ≈ 5) containing β-CD in the backbone to deliver siRNA ^112-120. In order to avoid nonspecific clearance of the resultant sub-100-nm nanoparticles, adamantine-PEG (AD-PEG) and adamantine-PEG-transferrin (AD-PEG-Tf) were incorporated by the host-guest interactions (Figure 5a). PEGylation was favorable to prevent protein absorption, but also reduced cellular uptake and silencing efficacy. Due to the overexpression of transferrin receptor in many tumors, this hurdle can be solved by the introduction of transferrin into this supramolecular system. Indeed, a doubling of tumor-specific knockdown of gene expression was realized through transferrin targeting in mouse model, in comparison with the EPR effect alone. The tolerated dosage of the nanoparticles can be reach 27 mg siRNA per kg of body weight in cynomolgus monkeys, and the translated efficacy located in the range of 0.6-1.2 mg siRNA per kg. More importantly, this product (CALAA-01) is in clinical trials at Arrowhead Research Corporation using a siRNA sequence to block expression of the M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. In human clinical studies, CALAA-01 exhibited tumor specific knockdown in patients with metastatic melanoma. This was the first targeted nanoparticle siRNA delivery system to enter clinical trials for cancer, attributing to the low toxicity and excellent condensation ability of the cationic polymer, the steric stabilization by PEGylation and the introduction of targeting protein through host-guest chemistry.

Figure 5.

(a) Schematic illustrations of CALAA-01 for siRNA delivery. Reproduced with permission from ¹¹⁸, copyright 2013 Nature Publishing Group. (b) Schematic illustrations of self-assembled host-guest complexes PEI-β-CD@Ad-prodrug with nucleotide condensation ability for co-delivery of drugs and genes. Reproduced with permission from ¹²³, copyright 2014 American Chemical Society. (c) Formation of a cationic supramolecular block copolymer and its pDNA binding and H₂O₂-triggered pDNA release in vitro. Reproduced with permission from ¹²⁴, copyright 2017 American Chemical Society.

In gene therapy, the cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) is a golden standard and has been widely utilized for in vitro and in vivo transfection, because of its stronger compaction capacity than other polycationic vectors. Additionally, the loaded DNA (or RNA) can escape from endosome through proton sponge effect to prevent themselves from being degraded, thus improve their transfection efficient. Tang et al. covalently modified β-CD by PEI to obtain an interesting gene delivery vector (PEI-β-CD) (Figure 5b) ^121-123. Through host-guest chemistry, PEG segments, targeting ligands, and drugs were easily integrated without time-consuming synthesis. Codelivery of drug/prodrug and gene into the cytoplasm was realized by fully exploiting the cavity of β-CD, resulting in synergistic anticancer efficacy in vivo after release of drugs and nucleotides. For example, PTX was modified by Ada group to afford a prodrug that could be loaded into the nanoparticles self-assembled from PEI-β-CD and short hairpin RNAs (shRNA). The sophisticated delivery system was favorable to codeliver PTX for chemotherapy and shRNA for gene therapy by downregulating the expression of the survivin and Bcl-2. In vivo studies confirmed this supramolecular strategy suppresses cancer growth more effectively than delivery of either paclitaxel or shRNA in ovarian cancer therapy.

Although PEI was extensively used, its applications were greatly impeded by its toxicity. Typically, the toxicity of low molecular weight PEI is low, while the condensation capability also significantly decreases. Novel materials with high gene transfection efficient and low toxicity are required in clinical gene therapy. Based on the β-CD/ferrocene host-guest recognition, Zhu et al. fabricated a smart supramolecular gene vector combining the merits of conventional polymers and supramolecular polymers ranging from structures to functions (Figure 5c) ¹²⁴. The supramolecular polymerization occurred in aqueous solution triggered by host-guest complexation to afford a cationic supramolecular copolymer in the presence of PEG-CD. The condensed pDNA could be fully released due to the dissociation of supramolecular copolymer arising from the oxidation of ferrocene by H₂O₂. Different from traditional PEI vectors, this supramolecular copolymer possessed high stability, excellent biodegradability, low cytotoxicity, and intelligent responsiveness, attributing to the dynamic nature of host-guest connections. The high gene transfection efficiency further suggested this supramolecular platform will be a promising nonviral carrier for gene therapy in the future.

The host-guest recognitions were also fully used to construct smart nanoplatforms to codelivery of anticancer drugs and genes. For example, Zhao et al. developed theranostic prodrug vesicles for imaging guided codelivery of CPT and siRNA for synergetic cancer therapy ¹²⁵. β-CD was modified by an amino dendrimer through click reaction to give a hydrophilic host molecule. The prodrug guest was synthesized by the conjugation of adamantane (Ada)-modified naphthalimide with CPT via a GSH-responsive disulfide linkage. A supramolecular amphiphile was obtained via host-guest complexation between Ada and β-CD, which self-assembled into vesicles in aqueous solution. The fluorescence recovered accompanied by the release of CPT by cleaving the disulfide bond, allowing for intracellular imaging and simultaneous monitoring of drug release. siRNA (siPlK1) loaded on the vesicle was efficiently transported into cancer cells to improve cancer therapeutic efficacy. Xu et al. applied the host-guest chemistry in the fabrication of a hybrid nanomaterial to codeliver DOX and pDNA ¹²⁶. The degradable silica nanoparticles embedding DOX were functionalized by Ada groups on the surface. Polycation comprising one β-CD core and two ethanolamine-functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) arms worked as a pDNA delivery vector, which was further introduced using the β-CD/Ada host-guest recognition. The DOX encapsulated in the hybrid nanoparticles significantly facilitated the cellular uptake and the subsequent gene transfection.

2.4. Supramolecular immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy referring to the employment of the body's immune system to fight against cancer cells, opens a new field in cancer treatment and has gained prominence over the past few decades ^127-129. The current clinical success of cancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blockade, cytokines treatment, and chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy, expands the treatment modality of cancer, successfully conferring remission upon patients with previously bleak outcomes. Therefore, the development of an effective treatment with low side effects against tumors is highly demanded for cancer immunotherapy. Considering the distinct physiochemical properties and advantages in targeting delivery, enhanced cellular internalization, and stimuli-responsiveness, nanoscale delivery systems hold great promise in cancer immunotherapy, such as metallic, polymeric, and liposomal formulations.

Immunotherapy has been approved as an effective therapeutic modality for patients with advanced melanoma. However, the secretion of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stunts local tumour immune responses, possibly by decreasing the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, reducing the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes while increasing the number of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). Fahmy et al. developed nanoscale liposomal polymeric gels (nanolipogels; nLGs) with the ability to codeliver TGF-β receptor-I inhibitor (SB505124) and cytokine (IL-2) to overcome the immunoinhibitory nature of the tumour microenvironment (Figure 6a) ¹³⁰. β-CD in the core of nLGs provided a container for the hydrophobic molecular inhibitor and allowed sustained and simultaneous release of both hydrophobic SB505124 and hydrophilic IL-2 to the tumor microenvironment, which was extremely difficult for conventional delivery systems. In vivo studies demonstrated codelivery of SB505124 and IL-2 by nLGs displayed potent immune responses in a B16/B6 mouse model of melanoma results from a crucial mechanism by activating both innate and adaptive immunity. The combination therapy increased the activity of NK cells and of intratumoral-activated CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration. As a result, tumor growth was significantly delayed and the survival of tumor-bearing mice was greatly prolonged.

Figure 6.

(a) Schematic of the fabrication of the nLG particle system. Reproduced with permission from ¹³⁰, copyright 2012 Nature Publishing Group. (b) Schematic of CDNP preparation by lysine crosslinking of succinyl-β-cyclodextrin and subsequent drug loading by guest-host complexation of R848. Reproduced with permission from ¹³¹, copyright 2018 Nature Publishing Group. (c) Chemical structures of HCP and GFT and schematic illustration of the formation of HCP/pTSA complexes and HCP-GFT/pTSA complexes. Reproduced with permission from ¹³², copyright 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are attracting more and more attentions from scientists because of their important roles in tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The enhancement in TAMs counts always accelerates the progression of untreated tumors and lowers the anticancer efficacy of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Fortunately, the TAMs are highly plastic, which can be converted from tumor-supportive M2-like cells into tumoricidal M1-like cells using small molecules to inhibit receptors, tyrosine kinases or other transduction pathways in TAMs. However, it remains a challenging task to preferentially deliver low molecular weight inhibitors to TAMs in vivo. For many nanoformulations, like copolymers, liposomes and modified dextrans, the loading capacity of small molecule TAM modifying agents is unsatisfactory. In order to address these challenges, Weissleder et al. prepared β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (CDNP) with a diameter of about 30 nm through the reaction between succinyl-β-cyclodextrin and _L-lysine (Figure 6b) ¹³¹. β-CD in CDNP was used as a supramolecular drug reservoir to encapsulate R848 (CDNP-R848), an agonist of the toll-like receptors TLR7 and TLR8. This nanoformulation led to efficient delivery of CDNP-R848 to TAMs in vivo and facilitated the TAM uptake. The administration of CDNP-R848 altered the functional orientation of the tumor immune microenvironment towards an M1 phenotype in multiple tumor models. More impressively, improved immunotherapy response rates were monitored in an anti-PD-1 resistant tumor model when CDNP-R848 was administrated with immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1. This pioneering work provided a valuable methodology for the rational design of sophisticated delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.

Gefitinib (GFT), is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by targeting epidermal growth factor receptors. Unfortunately, the anticancer efficacy of GFT diminished and tumor recurrence always appeared after certain periods due to mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptors or other mutations. Tang et al. combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance and improve antitumor performance (Figure 6c) ¹³². A cationic polymer 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin- polyethylenimine (HCP) containing β-CD and PEI arms was used as the delivery vehicle, in which β-CD and PEI were used to load GFT and superantigen (plasmid DNA encoding transmembrane staphylococcal enterotoxin A protein, pTSA) through host-guest and electrostatic interactions. Interestingly, compared with monotherapy (GFT or pTSA) and simultaneous treatment (simultaneous codelivery of GFT and pTSA), the dual sequential treatment significantly enhanced T cell immunity, promoted cytokine production, inhibited tumor growth, and prolonged survival time in tumor models with lung carcinoma xenografts. This work confirmed the significant contribution of immunotherapy to chemotherapy and opens up new possibilities for treating a wide spectrum of cancers.

2.5. Supramolecular strategies for other diseases

Apart from cancer theranostics, cyclodextrin-based host-guest chemistry also finds extensive applications in other fields. Due to the difference in cavity size, CDs show different binding affinities and selectivities towards specific guests. For example, aliphatic chains and small molecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) are suitable for α-CD to form inclusion complexes. Alprostadil alphadex, a marketed product, is a sterile, pyrogen-free powder containing alprostadil in an alfadex (α-CD) inclusion complex, which is used to relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow, in order to treat peripheral circulatory disorders. For the free drug, its poor solubility requires intra-arterial administration to obtain useful clinical results. In addition to solubility, the host-guest complexation also improves its stability, making this supramolecular drug be available for parenteral use. For β-CD with larger cavity, it can form host-guest complex with prostaglandin E2, greatly increasing the stability of the loaded drug. The resultant product Prostarmon E is highly effective for the induction of labour in oxytocin-insensitive individuals and for avoidance bleeding after delivery.

β-CD with a max internal diameter of 7.8 Å possesses high affinity to the guests with larger size, such as cholesterol, which is mainly responsible for atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease linked to elevated blood cholesterol concentrations. Huge attentions have been paid in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, but cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The overabundance of cholesterol in the subendothelial space easily forms cholesterol crystals, thus leading to a complex inflammatory response. Latz et al. attempted to use HPCD to complex and eliminate the deposited cholesterol, thus preventing and reversing atherosclerosis ¹³³. Indeed, the atherosclerotic plaque size and cholesterol crystals load were reduced by the administration of HPCD. The reason was that the administration of HPCD increased the production of oxysterol in both macrophages and human atherosclerotic plaques. On the other hand, this supramolecular treatment promoted liver X receptor-mediated transcriptional reprogramming, significantly improving cholesterol efflux and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Considering the biocompatibility of cyclodextrins, this supramolecular therapeutic method shows bright future in the prevention and treatment of human atherosclerosis.

Onychomycosis, a clinically stubborn disease with high prevalence and low cure rates, significantly reduces quality of life. However, the existing approaches to onychomycosis are unsatisfactory. Ketoconazole (KTZ) is a commonly used antifungal drug, but its efficacy is poor through oral administration, because the drug concentration at the sites of fungal infection is hardly maintained for a long time. Other therapeutic modalities, such as topical cream and laser-based treatments, are also ineffective to cure the disease. Tseng et al. fabricated KTZ-encapsulated cross-linked fluorescent supramolecular nanoparticles (KTZ/c-FSMNPs) to increase therapeutic results by controlling the in vivo release behavior of KTZ ¹³⁴. Ad-PEG, Ad-PAMAM, and CD-PEI were used as the molecular building blocks to construct supramolecular nanoparticles through a multivalent molecular recognition between Ada and β-CD. Benefiting from the high KTZ loading efficiency/capacity, optimal fluorescent property, and sustained KTZ release profile, KTZ/c-FSMNPs 4800 nm in diameter exhibited satisfactory results in the treatment of onychomycosis. The existence of a fluorescent conjugated polymer (MPS-PPV) in KTZ/c-FSMNPs allowed to monitor their intradermal retention properties by in vivo fluorescent imaging. The biocompatibility and finite intradermal retention of this supramolecular therapeutic approach make it a promising candidate for intradermal controlled release of antifungal drug to treat onychomycosis.

3. Calixarene-based supramolecular theranostics

Calix[n]arenes (C[n]As) are versatile macrocyclic hosts prepared from the reaction between phenols and formaldehyde, in which the phenolic units are connected by methylene bridges at the meta-positions (generally composed of 4, 5, 6 or 8 phenolic units), endowing the C[n]As with basket-like structures and well-defined cavities ^135-139. The upper and lower rims of C[n]As can be modified by functional groups to prepare water soluble C[n]As for biomedical applications. Driven by the ion-dipole interaction, electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic effect, and hydrogen-bonding, C[n]As are useful hosts to complex ions, sugars, amino acids, proteins, peptides, drugs, hormones, and nucleic acids. Recently, several theranostic systems have been developed by using C[n]As as the feasible platforms, showing promising applications in early-stage diagnosis and precise therapy.

3.1. Supramolecular cancer theranostics

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a biomarker that is widely used to detect ovarian and other gynecologic cancers in their early stage. The concentration of LPA in healthy human plasma locates in the range between 0.1 to 6.3 mM, while the concentration rapidly increases to >63.2 mM for the patients have gynecologic cancers. For the existed detection methods, such as capillary electrophoresis, tandem mass spectroscopy, and radioenzymatic assays, the sensitivity and selectivity are unsatisfactory. It is urgently desired to find new receptors with high affinity and selectivity towards LPA to overcome the bottleneck in LPA detection. Through an indicator displacement assay, Guo et al. realized ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of LPA using a water-soluble guanidinium-modified calix[5]arene (GC5A) as the macrocyclic scaffold (Figure 7) ¹⁴⁰. The cavity size of GC5A fits well with LPA, which effectively threads GC5A. The alkyl chains on the lower rim of GC5A provided additional hydrophobic interaction with the tail of LPA. Furthermore, the guanidinium groups on upper rime donated charge-assisted hydrogen bonds with the phosphate head of LPA. The binding affinity was determined to be (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10⁸ M^-1, attributing to the effective host-guest complexation. The detection limit of LPA was as low as 1.7 μM in the untreated serum. Notably, the other biologically important species in plasma did not affect the specific detection of LPA, confirm its feasibility in the complicated physiological milieu. This work provides an encouraging candidate to diagnose ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers at early stages.

Figure 7.

Schematic illustration of the binding between LPA and GC5A and the detection of LPA using IDA principle. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁴⁰, copyright 2018 Royal Society of Chemistry.

By full taking advantages of the C[n]As-based host-guest recognitions, macrocyclic amphiphiles and supramolecular amphiphiles were build up, which were further utilized to deliver anticancer drugs and photosensitizers. Aldrich-Wright et al. modified the C[4]As scaffold to afford a water soluble p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes (C4AS) ¹⁴¹, showing the ability to complex platinum(II)-based anticancer complexes, such as [(5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)(1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane) platinum(II)]²⁺ and ([(5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) (1S,2S-diaminocyclohexane) platinum(II)]²⁺. The host‒guest complexation effectively protected drugs from being degraded by GSH and remarkably decreased the diffusion rate of metal complexes, thus maintaining their anticancer activity.

Amphiphilic calixarenes were prepared by introducing hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups on different rim. The resultant macrocyclic amphiphiles could self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures, such as vesicles, micelles, and nanoparticles, suitable carriers for drugs. A novel amphiphilic tetrahexyloxy-tetra-p-aminocalix[4]arene was synthesized by Lim and coworkers, in which the lower rim was modified by alkyl chains and the upper rim was functionalized by amine groups ¹⁴². The prepared nanoparticles from an emulsion evaporation technique were used to load PTX with a drug loading efficiency of 69.1 ± 5.3 μg drug/mg carrier, comparable with that of the commercially available Abraxane. Liu et al. used an amphiphilic p-sulfonatocalixarene as a “drug chaperone” to coassemble with cationic drugs (mitoxantrone∙HCl and irinotecan∙HCl) into a multifunctional platform driven by multivalent charge interactions (Figure 8a) ¹⁴³. The loaded drugs were protected by the amphiphilic drug chaperone premature degradation upon formation of nanostructures. Interestingly, the surface of the coassemblies was further decorated by targeting ligands (biotin or hyaluronic acid) through host-guest chemistry due to the existence of calixarene cavities. In vitro studies validated that the anticancer activities of the drugs were significantly improved by this supramolecular strategy.

Figure 8.

(a) Functionalization protocol of the “drug chaperone” strategy and chemical structures of anticancer drugs, SC4AH and targeting ligands. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁴³, copyright 2015 Nature Publishing Group. (b) Molecular structure of the building blocks and schematic illustration of the construction of a supramolecular binary vesicle via complexation of calix[4]arene (C4AS) with MVC₁₂. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁴⁴, copyright 2011 American Chemical Society. (c) Representation of the structure of DC4-PEG, Ce6, and formation of the supramolecular polymeric micelles based on host-guest interaction. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁴⁵, copyright 2018 Royal Society of Chemistry.

The hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts can also be linked by the host-guest complex, resulting in the formation of supramolecular amphiphiles. Based on the recognition between paraquat and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, Liu et al. reported a novel supramolecular binary nanovesicle ¹⁴⁴, and used it as delivery vehicle to load DOX∙HCl in the interior of the vesicles (Figure 8b). On account of the stimuli-responsive host-guest complexation, this nanomedicine was sensitive to temperature, cyclodextrin hosts, and redox potential. The anticancer activity of the DOX encapsulated nanovesicles was greatly maintained, while the cytotoxicity towards normal cells was pronouncedly reduced.

Besides chemodrugs, the calixarene-based supramolecular systems also enable to encapsulate photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Zhu et al. employed hydrophobic chlorin e6 (Ce6) as the guest and hydrophilic pegylated calix[4]arene (DC4-PEG) as the host to construct a supramolecular amphiphile (Figure 8c) ¹⁴⁵. Through orthogonal self-assembly, the amphiphile formed nanoparticles in aqueous solution with a diameter less than 200 nm. Compared with free Ce6, the PDT efficacy was improved through this supramolecular formulation, because the π-π stacking of the photosensitizer was dramatically inhibited by the host-guest complexation, conducive to enhance the singlet oxygen generation quantum yield.

For in vivo applications, tumor selectivity and dark toxicity hinder become the main obstacles for PDT in clinical translation. Therefore, it is desirable to develop smart phototheranostics that are inert during circulation but can be activated in tumor microenvironment or in cancer cells induced by specific stimulus. Recently, Guo et al. designed an activatable phototheranostic platform through a methodology termed as biomarker displacement activation (BDA) (Figure 9) ¹⁴⁶. An amphiphilic guanidinium-modified calix[5]arene pentadodecyl ether (GC5A-12C) was firstly used to pre-load the anionic photosensitizer (sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine, AlPcS₄) through host-guest interactions. As a consequence, the fluorescence and photoactivity of AlPcS₄ were completely annihilated (OFF state) by the formation of nanoparticles with the assistance of 4-(dodecyloxy)benzamido-terminated methoxy poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG-12C). The imaging and therapeutic properties of AlPcS₄ were completely recovered (ON state) after being displaced by adenosine triphosphates (ATP) when the nanocarriers accumulated into tumor tissues via EPR effect. Due to the huge difference in ATP concentration between tumor tissues (> 100 μM) and normal tissues (1-10 nM), this sophisticated phototheranostics exhibited superior tumor selectivity as confirmed by in vivo fluorescence imaging. Compared with free AlPcS₄, the tumor growth was dramatically inhibited after the treatment of nanoparticles followed by laser irradiation, suggesting the macrocyclic amphiphilic was indispensable in this targeted phototheranostics.

Figure 9.

(a) The cartoon representation of the BDA strategy. (b) In vivo fluorescence imaging of the 4T1 tumor-bearing nude mice. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁴⁶, copyright 2018 American Chemical Society.

3.2. Host-guest chemistry for detoxification

Viologens including paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ), are showing an increasing number of scientific and technical applications as herbicides, DNA probes, prooxidants, and so on, which have been widely used by millions of growers in over 120 countries all over the world. However, their high toxicity is the potential risks to animals, the environment, and human, especially for PQ that can easily lead to various diseases or even death after absorption through digestive tract, respiratory tract and skin. Accidental or suicidal ingestion of PQ resulted in rapid multi-organ failure with a mortality rate exceeding 60%, while no effective antidotes are available. Liu et al. proposed a brilliant protocol to inhibit the toxicity of viologens by the host-guest complexation ¹⁴⁷. Both guests formed stable inclusion complexes with the anionic hosts, including p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (C4AS), p-sulfonatocalix[5]arene (C5AS), and p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene. Among these host-guest systems, the binding affinity in PBS at pH 7.2 between C5AS and PQ was the highest. The formation of inclusion complex induced the reduction potentials of PQ to shift to more negative values, highly inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species in vivo. Further investigations demonstrated that the ingestion of C4AS and C5AS significantly prolonged the survival rate of viologen poisoned mice with lung and liver protection. Qi et al. studied the antidotic mechanism of C4AS for PQ by pharmacokinetics in vivo ¹⁴⁸. The host-guest complexation effectively reduced the area under the concentration-time curve and maximum concentration of PQ. The other detoxication mechanism was that the inclusion complex was more difficult to pass through the biomembrane (such as the mucous membrane of the small intestine) than free PQ originating from its strong hydrophilicity, large molecular volume, and three-dimensional molecular structure.

The organophosphorus (OP) compounds comprising a labile P-X group (X = F, CN, SR, etc.) are highly toxic substances. For example, O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX) is able to react with the nucleophilic serine residue of the catalytic triad, inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase in neuromuscular junctions. As a result, the accumulation of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter leads to severe toxic effects on the central and peripheral nervous system, thereby causing respiratory malfunction and death. Proteins are used as bioscavengers to detoxify OPs before clinical signs occur, but limited by their low in vivo stability and immunogenicity. Therefore, it remains urgent demand to search artificial scavengers capable of trapping OPs in addition to encapsulation catalysts with a mode of action akin to enzymes. Kubik et al. synthesized sulfonatocalix[4]arenes with an appended hydroxamic acid residue and used these macrocyclic hosts as artificial scavengers to detoxify VX and related V-type neurotoxic Ops ¹⁴⁹. The strong binding affinity to cationic nerve agents and the complex-induced cleavage of the P-S bond of the nerve agent were responsible for the detoxification. Compared with the free VX, the hydrolysis speed was rapidly accelerated by a factor of approximately 3500 in aqueous buffer at 37 ^oC and pH 7.4, involving phosphonylation of the hydroxamic acid on the calixarene hosts followed by a Lossen rearrangement. Although, the action mode of this supramolecular method is stoichiometric rather than catalytic, these hosts are the most efficient artificial scavengers for detoxifying persistent V-type nerve agents under mild conditions.

3.3. Host-guest chemistry for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Enzymes are responsible for a series of biochemical processes, and the dysfunction in the enzyme expression level always results in many diseases. Compared with other responsive systems sensitive to ion, temperature, light, or pH, the enzyme-based strategies exhibit elegant advantages in the fields of biotechnology, diagnostics, and targeted drug delivery. The entrapped cargoes can be delivered to the site of action and then released from the carriers induced by the specific enzymatic reactions. Cholinesterase, a key protein overexpressed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is an ideal stimulus for the development of responsive delivery systems.

Liu et al. constructed a supramolecular amphiphile using p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (C4AS) as the host and a natural myristoylcholine as the enzyme-cleavable guest (Figure 10a) ¹⁵⁰. The host-guest complexation between the anionic host and cationic guest significantly decreased the critical aggregation concentration by a factor of ~100, reinforcing the complex stability in aqueous solution. The complexed head worked the hydrophilic part and the alkyl chain acted as the hydrophobic part. The formed amphiphile self-assembled into vesicles with a diameter ranging from 90 to 200 nm when the ratio of C4AS/myristoylcholine was optimized to 1:10. The vesicle completely disassembled in the presence of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) due to the dissociation of the host-guest interactions by the hydrolysis of myristoylcholine into choline and myristic acid. Because of the high selectivity, this system kept stable in solution containing other enzymes, such as exonuclease I (Exo I), alkaline phosphatase (CIAP), and glucose oxidase (GOx). The vesicles were further employed to deliver tacrine, a water-soluble drug for the treatment of AD. Different from the total disassembly of the free vesicles, the existence of tacrine led to partial disassembly of the nanomedicine, eliminating the potential side effects caused by excessive drug release. Cytotoxicity evaluation confirmed the biocompatibility of the vesicles, paving the way for their future applications in the treatment of AD.

Figure 10.

(a) Schematic illustration of amphiphilic assemblies of myristoylcholine in the absence and presence of C4AS. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁵⁰, copyright 2012 American Chemical Society. (b) Illustration of the heteromultivalent peptide recognition by co-assembly of CD and CA amphiphiles. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁵¹, copyright 2018 Nature Publishing Group.

Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), comprised mainly of 40- and 42-residue peptides, plays a causative role in the memory loss, neurodegeneration, and dementia associated with AD. Considerable biochemical and genetic investigations demonstrate that the formation of senile plaques in the brain composed of the aggregated Aβ is the main pathological hallmarks of AD. Guo et al. designed a heteromultivalent platform (CD-CA) by co-assembling two different amphiphilic macrocycles ¹⁵¹, cyclodextrin (CD) and calixarene (CA), into one ensemble in view of their complementary binding behaviors in aqueous solution (Figure 10b). Benefiting from heteromultivalency and self-adaptability, the binding efficiency and selectivity of CD-CA were drastically improved due to the existence of two orthogonal, and non-covalent binding sites on the surface of the co-assembly. Compared with the homomeric CA assembly and CD assembly, CD-CA displayed extremely high avidity toward YKYKYK peptide (10¹⁰ times for CD, 100 times for CA). Excitingly, CD-CA exhibited specific recognition towards Aβ₄₂ containing two K and one Y residues, the association constant was determined to be as high as (7.9 ± 0.4) × 10⁷ M^-1. The incubation of Aβ₄₂ with an equivalent amount of CD-CA co-assembly significantly inhibited the β-sheet aggregation. Moreover, most of the mature fibrils (75%) can be dissociated by treating with CD-CA co-assembly, which was much effective than those of CD assembly (4%), the CA assembly (15%), and their simple mixture (22%). Different from the inhibition of fibrils formation, it's really challenging to break down the formed amyloid fibrils, emphasizing the importance of host-guest chemistry in AD treatments.

4. Cucurbituril-based supramolecular theranostics

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s), mainly including CB⁵, CB⁶, CB⁷, CB⁸ and CB¹⁰, are prepared from the acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of glycoluril and formaldehyde, in which the glycoluril units are connected by methylene bridges ^151-156. For CB[n]s family, their heights are some (9.1 Å), while the annular widths, equatorial widths, and cavity volumes gradually increase associated with the improvement of repeating units. Compared with the size of CB[n]s and CDs, it can be found that the cavity sizes of CB⁶, CB⁷, and CB⁸ are similar to α-, β-, and γ-CD, respectively. However, the binding behaviors of CB[n]s are quite different from those of CDs. Hydrophobic interaction is the main driving force to form inclusion complex between CDs and guest. Hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole interactions, and/or van der Waals force are responsible for CB[n]s-based host-guest chemistry, because CB[n]s possess highly symmetric pumpkin-like structure with a hydrophobic cavity and two negatively charged carbonyl lined portals. Due to the discrimination in portal and cavity sizes, the specific host-guest recognition motifs are constructed between CB[n]s and guests with different sizes.

4.1. Supramolecular theranostics using cucurbiturils as containers

The portal size of CB⁶ is 3.9 Å, suitable for the protonated diaminoalkanes to form stable inclusion complexes. For spermidine and spermine, the binding affinities to CB⁶ are higher than 10¹¹ and 10¹² M^-1, respectively ¹⁵⁷, stabilizing the formed complexes in a dynamic fluidic environment such as the blood stream in live animals. Based on the CB⁶/spermidine recognition, Kimoon et al. utilized CB⁶-based polymer nanocapsules (CB[6]PNs) as a non-covalent platform for multimodal imaging ¹⁵⁸. The surface of CB[6]PNs was modified by different spermidine-conjugated tags through host-guest chemistry. Cyclic RGDyK, ⁶⁴Cu-NOTA complexes, and cyanine 7 were introduced into CB[6]PNs for cancer targeting, PET imaging, and NIR imaging, respectively. In vivo studies confirmed the successful cancer-targeted multimodal imaging of tumors, suggesting potential applications of CB[6]PNs in cancer theranostics.

For CB⁷, methyl viologen dication, 2,6-bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl) naphthalene, and protonated adamantanamine are ideal guests to form 1:1 inclusion complexes. Wang et al. conjugated CB⁷ to poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to afford an amphiphilic copolymer ¹⁵⁹, which self-assembled into nanoparticles (Figure 11a). Through a “Lego-like” approach, anticancer drug (oxaliplatin), targeting ligand (folic acid), fluorescence dye (FITC) and PEG linked with amantadine could decorate the nanoparticles surface on the basis of the host-guest interaction between amantadine and CB⁷ with an association constant of ~10⁸ M^-1. The hydrophobic core of the multifunctional nanoparticles was further used to load PTX as the secondary drug for synergistic therapy against cancer cells.

Figure 11.

(a) Synthesis of CB⁷-PLA and schematic illustration of CB⁷-PLA/PLGA NPs with non-covalently tailorable surface. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁵⁹, copyright 2018 American Chemical Society. (b) Supramolecular chemotherapeutic drug constructed from the host-guest complexation between CB⁷ and oxaliplatin. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶⁰, copyright 2017 American Chemical Society. (c) Schematic illustration of supramolecular polymeric chemotherapy based on poly-CB⁷. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶¹, copyright 2018 Elsevier. (d) Chemical structures of biotin modified CB⁷. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶², copyright 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (e) Chemical structures of ACB1 and ACB2. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶³, copyright 2013 Nature Publishing Group.

Rather than traditional guests, CB⁷ also holds the ability to complex oxaliplatin. The binding affinity was determined to be 2.89 × 10⁶ M^-1 by Zhang et al. using isothermal titration calorimetry (Figure 11b) ¹⁶⁰. The cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin-CB⁷ was significantly decreased upon formation of host-guest complex. Interestingly, the anticancer activity of oxaliplatin was waken up by intracellular spermine overexpressing in tumor due to its competitive complex with CB⁷. Additionally, the consumption of spermine further enhanced the anticancer activity than oxaliplatin itself, realizing a synergistic anticancer efficacy. For oxaliplatin-CB⁷, the circulation time will be an obstacle for its in vivo applications, because the complex is easily eliminated from body, thus reducing the antitumor outcome. In order to solve this issue, Zhang et al. synthesized a water-soluble polymer bearing CB⁷ (poly-CB⁷) in the backbone through click reactions and used poly-CB⁷ to deliver oxaliplatin (Figure 11c) ¹⁶¹. The high association constant guaranteed the efficient complexation under the administration condition and high drug loading content (12.1 %). It should emphasized that over 90% oxaliplatin was wrapped by CB⁷ in blood within the injection dose of 5 mg oxaliplatin per kg, preventing premature drug release during circulation. Using poly-CB⁷ as the carrier, the area under the curve of oxaliplatin/poly-CB⁷ group was 21.6-fold higher than oxaliplatin group. The efficient release of oxaliplatin and depletion of spermine in cancer cells cooperatively inhibit the growth of tumor with higher bioactivity than oxaliplatin. Another advantage of this supramolecular system was that the systemic toxicity was reduced.

The platinum-based anticancer drugs are widely used as first line drugs for the treatment of various cancers. However, the severe side effects limit their clinical usage. It is necessary to develop an improved version of oxaliplatin with enhanced anticancer efficacy and reduced toxicity against normal tissues. Hence, Isaacs et al. conjugated a biotin ligand to a monofunctionalized CB⁷ derivatives by amide bond formation (Figure 11d) ¹⁶², aiming to endow the supramolecular containers with targeting ability. The modification of CB⁷ did not affect the host-guest properties, the synthesized hosts were able to complex a series of anticancer agents. In vitro anticancer evaluation verified that the targeted container·oxaliplatin exhibited approximately an order of magnitude higher activity against L1210FR cells. Besides the symmetrical CB[n]s, Isaacs et al. also developed acyclic cucurbit[n]urils (ACBs) ¹⁶³, a novel class of solubilizing agents with extremely low toxicity (Figure 11e). The ACBs significantly enhanced the solubility of ten insoluble drugs by a factor of between 23 and 2,750 upon formation of container-drug complexes. Very excitingly, the neutral PTX gave the largest solubility enhancement (2,750-fold) ascribing to the flexibility of the acyclic structure and the efficient host-guest interactions, including π-π stacking, the hydrophobic interaction, and hydrogen bonds. Compared with the free drug, the complexation did not interfere the anticancer activity of PTX, but increase the cancer killing ability. In vivo studies indicated that the administration of ACB-albendazole complex effectively inhibit the tumor growth and extended the survival of the mice bearing SKOV-3 xenograft tumors ¹⁶⁴.

4.2. Supramolecular gate-keepers using cucurbiturils-based recognitions

Cucurbiturils-based recognitions were fully used as the “switches” to control the drug release by adjusting the association and dissociation of the host-guest complexation. Recently, Rotello et al. used CB⁷-based recognition to regulate the bioorthogonal catalysis in cells (Figure 12a) ¹⁶⁵. The catalytic activity was inhibited by embedding the hydrophobic transition metal catalysts in the monolayer of water-soluble gold nanoparticles followed by the blockage of the “gate-keeper” using host-guest chemistry, because the substrates unable to touch the catalysts. The activity of these catalysts completely restored by removing CB⁷ on the surface upon addition of a competing guest (1-adamantylamine). Using this concept, the anticancer efficacy of propargyl-modified 5-fluorouracil (pro-5FU) was activated in cells through the palladium-mediated chemocatalysis, thus releasing the active 5FU to inhibit the nucleotide synthetic enzyme thymidylate synthase to induce cytotoxicity. This work provided a biomimic strategy to mimic the allosteric effect of natural enzymes.

Figure 12.

(a) Schematic illustration of bioorthogonal nanozyme design and supramolecular regulation of intracellular catalysis. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶⁵, copyright 2015 Nature Publishing Group. (b) Schematic diagram of the construction of LbL-MSNs using CB⁷-based recognition. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁶⁷, copyright 2014 American Chemical Society.

Issacs et al. employed a metal organic polyhedron (MOP) as a delivery platform to loaded DOX ¹⁶⁶. The MOP contains 18 covalently attached CB⁷ groups by controlling the ratio of the building blocks during the preparation process. The amphiphilic guest with an 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA) hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic C₁₈H₃₇ tail was using to modify MOP through the host-guest complexation between CB⁷ and HDA. The solubility of the resultant MOP was good because there were 12 Pd²⁺ ions and 18 dicationic HDA guests bound to CB⁷. The layer containing alkyl chains was a hydrophobic phase, suitable for the encapsulation of DOX. The host-guest complexes on the surface acted as “gate-keepers” to prevent the loaded drug from being release prematurely. Due to the difference in binding affinities between CB⁷/HAD (8.97 × 10⁷ M^-1) and CB⁷/1-adamantylamine (4.23 × 10¹² M^-1) recognition motifs, the “gate-keepers” were opened by the addition of 1-adamantylamine, and the drug escape from the platform. By changing the “locks” using different guests, smart delivery systems were obtained responsive to dual pH-chemical and photochemical-chemical stimuli. The presence of CB⁷ hosts on the surface enabled a wide range of plug-and-play non-covalent functionalization for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising drug carriers, however the release behaviors are hardly controlled without post-modifications. Yang et al. reported a supramolecular layer-by-layer method to coat the surface of MSNs (LBL-MSNs) by using CB⁷ and bis-aminated poly(glycerol methacrylate)s (BA-PGOHMAs) ¹⁶⁷, in which CB⁷ worked as a molecular bridge to connect two bis-aminated polymers through host-guest interactions (Figure 12b). The premature release was inhibited at physiological pH (pH = 7.4) due to the blockage of the pores, attributing to the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged MSN surfaces and positively charged EDA-PGOHMA. In addition, the formation of host-guest complexes driven by cation-dipole interactions in the multiple layers stabilized the hybrid nanomedicine. The “gate-keepers” were opened to yield ways for the loaded drug upon acidifying the solution, because the CB⁷ in the supramolecular polymer coatings was occupied by the plentiful hydronium ions. Meanwhile, the addition of adamantaneamine hydrochloride can also accelerate the drug release resulted from the competitive host-guest complexation. In vivo studies showed the formulation of this supramolecular nanomedicine resulted in a highly efficient tumor-growth inhibition rate.

4.3. Supramolecular delivery systems using cucurbiturils-based recognitions

Different from other CB[n]s, CB⁸ can act as a “molecular handcuff” to complex two guest molecule inside its cavity because of its large portal size (6.9 Å) and cavity volume (479 ų) ^168-176. For example, electron-deficient methylviologen (MV) derivatives and electron-rich 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene derivatives can be simultaneously encapsulated by CB⁸ in aqueous solution driven by multiple noncovalent interactions, forming an 1:1:1 ternary complex with an association constant up to 10¹⁵ M^-2. Based on the ternary recognitions, dynamic diblock copolymers and brush copolymers have been prepared that are suitable for the construction of nanocarriers for drugs. The stimuli-responsiveness of the host-guest recognitions makes the resultant nanomedicines sensitive to the specific tumor-related triggers, selectively releasing the loaded drugs in cancer cells after accumulations and internalizations.

Using the ternary recognition between CB⁸, MV, and indole, Ji et al. established an amphiphilic diblock copolymer (PEO-MV/CB⁸/PLA-IPA) using indole-terminated PLA (PLA-IPA) and MV-terminated PEO (PEO-MV) as the building blocks (Figure 13a) ¹⁷⁷. PEO-MV/CB⁸/PLA-IPA self-assembled into nanoparticles that were utilized to carry DOX in the hydrophobic core. The host-guest complexation could be effectively controlled by the redox chemistry of MV, allowing reduction-triggered release of anticancer drugs. Another redox-responsive ternary recognition between CB⁸, 4,4'-bipyridinium derivative, and PEGylated naphthol (PEG-Np) was used by Chen et al. to construct a supramolecular brush copolymer. Different from other polymeric vehicles ¹⁷⁸, aggregation-induced emissive fluorophore (tetraphenylethene, TPE) was grafted on the polymer, making the delivery system visible (Figure 13b and c). Interestingly, the fluorescence of TPE and DOX was both quenched after loading the drug due to energy transfer relay, in which the emission transferred from TPE to DOX and then self-quenched by the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect of DOX. Triggered by reducing agents and low pH, the “silenced” fluorescence related to TPE and DOX was recovered due to the disassembly of the supramolecular nanoparticles and release of DOX, realizing in situ visualization of the drug release.

Figure 13.

(a) Schematic illustration of the formation, drug loading and reduction-triggered drug release of CB⁸-based supramolecular assemblies. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁷⁷, copyright 2014 Royal Society of Chemistry. (b) Chemical structures of the building blocks and the preparation of nanoparticles. (c) Schematic illustration of the imaging-guided drug delivery. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁷⁸, copyright 2017 American Chemical Society. (d) Schematic representation of the assembly strategy to construct supramolecular vesicles. (e) Schematic representation of targeted and photo-controlled drug delivery. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁷⁹, copyright 2018 American Chemical Society. (f) CB⁸-regulated supramolecular photosensitizer and its mechanism for targeted cancer imaging and PDT. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁸¹, copyright 2016 American Chemical Society.

Azo can also work as the secondary guest for CB⁸ to form 1:1:1 ternary complex with MV in the cavity of CB⁸. Luo et al. constructed highly stable giant supramolecular vesicles through hierarchical self-assembly of CB⁸-based supramolecular amphiphiles (Figure 13d and e) ¹⁷⁹. The hollow cavity of the vesicles enabled to capture DOX∙HCl with loading efficiency of 62.1%. The maleimide groups on the external surface of the supramolecular vesicles could be modified by iRGD peptide and bovine serum albumin through click reactions, promoting the resultant multifunctional vesicles targeting specificity and cell internalization. Photo-responsive drug release was observed by manipulating the heteroternary complexation resulting from the morphological changes of the assemblies caused by the trans to cis isomerization of Azo group.

By rationally choosing the guests, CB⁸ can complex two same molecules to form 1:2 host-guest complexes. For example, a series of tricyclic basic dyes can complex with CB⁷ and CB⁸, such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, and acridine orange ¹⁸⁰. Due to the different complexation modes, the changes in physical or chemical property of some dyes are totally distinct. The formation of 1:1 inclusion complex with CB⁷ always enhances the fluorescence, while the fluorescence is quenched after forming an 1:2 complex with CB⁸ possibly for the π-π stacking interactions of the dyes in the cavity. Inspired by this phenomenon, Zhang et al. used a supramolecular approach to fabricate an activatable photosensitizer for simultaneous cancer imaging and selective ablation of cancer by PDT (Figure 13f) ¹⁸¹. Toluidine blue functionalized by biotin (TB-B) was chosen as the guest, which formed a stable [3]pseudorotaxane-type host-guest complex with CB⁸ (2TB-B@CB⁸). The N-terminated aromatic peptides exhibited extremely high binding constant with CB⁸ (10⁹-10¹¹ M^-2), which was strong enough able to trigger the release of TB-B from the cavity of CB⁸. This established system incorporating a variety of smart functions such as targeting, protection, transport, delivery, imaging, and therapy selectively accumulated in tumor, lit-up the tumor site, and enhanced cancer ablation ability.

4.4. Supramolecular systems for the treatment of other diseases

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are extensively utilized during anesthesia in operating rooms. It is reported that more than 400 million patients receive curare-type NMBAs every year, including atracurium, pancuronium, rocuronium, cisatracurium, and vecuroniumnd. At the end of the surgery, it is necessary to use reversal agents (neostigmine and edrophonium) to reverse the biological effect of NMBAs to prevent residual neuromuscular block and recover muscle function. However, the utilization of commercially used reversal agents always causes cardiovascular side effects or even result in a (depolarizing) neuromuscular block in clinical practice. Sugammadex, the first selective relaxant binding agent, is a modified γ-cyclodextrin that has been widely used for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade after administration of the aminosterioid non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking agents such as rocuronium or vecuronium.

Inspired by this, Isaacs et al. employed water soluble ACBs to reverses neuromuscular block using host-guest chemistry (Figure 14a) ¹⁸². ACBs formed 1:1 host-guest complexes with steroidal and benzyl isoquinoline type NMBAs, and the binding constants located within the range of 2.2 × 10⁵-3.4 × 10⁹ M^-1. In vivo studies showed that ACB2 was able to tightly complex with rocuronium in bloodstream (association constant = 3.4 × 10⁹ M^-1) and the formed complex excreted from body quickly, which decreased the concentration of rocuronium at the neuromuscular junction, thus reversing deep neuromuscular block. The administration of ACB2 accelerated recovery of both train-of four (TOF) ratio to 0.9 (26 s) and spontaneous breathing (32 s), which were much faster than the mice treated with placebo (21 min and 12.5 min for TOF and spontaneous breathing, respectively), suggesting that ACBs were the promising candidates as reversal agents for neuromuscular block.

Figure 14.

(a) Chemical structures of NMBAs. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁸², copyright 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (b) Strategy for supramolecular PEGylation. Reproduced with permission from ¹⁸³, copyright 2016 National Academy of Sciences.

Over the past decades, biomolecules especially for proteins have attracted more and more attentions. However, these biopharmaceuticals continuously cause a series of attendant complications due to the poor chemical and/or structural stability in physiological environment, where the active drugs are converted into inactive and/or potentially immunogenic forms. Typically, PEGylation of protein drugs through covalent modification is chosen to increase the solubility, promote the stability, inhibit aggregation, reduce glomerular filtration, and improve pharmacological activity. Although the direct covalent modification is feasible, several issues still exist. The modified proteins need purification to eliminate exogenous compounds that are possibly cause immunogenicity. Over-modification may also result in a deleterious effect on proteins activity and function. Anderson et al. proposed a supramolecular route to modify the properties of therapeutic proteins using CB⁷-based host-guest chemistry (Figure 14b) ¹⁸³, endowing the supramolecular proteins with prosthetic functionality. Non-covalent modification substantially increased the stability of three distinct protein drugs (insulin, glucagon, and an antibody) and prolonged their pharmacological activity. CB⁷ exhibited high affinity to an N-terminal aromatic residue on insulin, thus allowing supramolecular modification of insulin by CB⁷-PEG. In vivo evaluations demonstrated that the duration of insulin activity could be controlled by change the molecular weight of CB⁷-PEG without a need for direct modification to the therapeutic protein. Compared with conventional PEGylation, supramolecular PEGylation of therapeutic proteins possesses evolutionary advantages. Firstly, the non-covalent modifications are clear, isolation and purification are unnecessary. Secondly, the therapeutic entities remain unmodified, facilitating to maintain their activities and functions. This can simplify regulatory approval of a previously approved biopharmaceuticals. Thirdly, the supramolecular building blocks can be easily excreted from body, greatly reducing the risk of immunogenicity.

5. Pillararene-based supramolecular theranostics

Pillar[n]arenes (PA[n]s), a new type of macrocycles reported in 2008, is a rising star in supramolecular chemistry. Different from C[n]As with a basket-shaped structure, PA[n]s are linked by methylene bridges at para-positions of 2,5-dialkoxybenzene rings, forming a symmetric and rigid pillar-shaped structure ^184-193. The electron-rich and hydrophobic cavity make PA[n]s prefer complexing neutral or electron-withdrawing guests, such as alkyl chains, pyridinium salts, imidazoliums, diamines, and viologen moieties ^194-203. The unique structures and easy functionalization of PA[n]s afford them excellent properties in host-guest chemistry ^204-214. Water-soluble P[n]As bearing trimethylammonium, carboxylate, or imidazolium groups have been fabricated that are able to wrap diverse drug molecules to enhance their solubility and stability in aqueous media. Wheate et al. studied the host-guest complexation between carboxylated pillar[6,7]arene (CP6A and CP7A) with different drugs including chlorhexidine hydrochloride, memantine, and proflavine ²¹⁵. Hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions are cooperatively responsible for the formation of inclusion complexes. Oxaliplatin strongly bond to CP6A in PBS at pH 7.4 with a binding constant of (1.02 ± 0.05) × 10⁴ M^{-1 216}. Interestingly, this host-guest complexation was pH-responsive, the binding constant decreased significantly associated with the reduction of solution pH, which was helpful to release the loaded drug in tumor tissue. The improvement in stability and circulation time of oxaliplatin by the formation of supramolecular complex greatly enhanced its anti-tumor performance in vivo.

5.1. Supramolecular amphiphiles for cancer treatment

A variety of supramolecular amphiphiles were constructed by taking full advantages of PA[n]s-based host-guest chemistry ^216-221. Functional groups can be integrated into the supramolecular systems, endowing the delivery platforms with stimuli-responsive properties. Wang et al. constructed a dual-responsive supramolecular amphiphile on the basis of the recognition between lysine and a water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) (Figure 15a) ²²². An amphiphilic guest was utilized, in which the hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail were linked by a disulfide group. The amphiphile self-assembled into vesicles in aqueous solution about 112 nm in diameter. A hydrophilic anticancer drug, mitoxantrone (MTZ), was loaded in the cavity of the supramolecular vesicles. Burst drug release could be achieved in the acidic tumor microenvironment containing high concentration of GSH, attributing to the GSH-responsiveness of the guest and the pH-responsiveness of the host. In order to enhance the biocompatibility of supramolecular carriers, Wang et al. used phosphate-based pillar[5]arene (WP5P) and pillar[6]arene (WP6P) to fabricate supramolecular amphiphiles ²²³. Due to the different binding modes, WP5P-based supramolecular amphiphile self-assembled into micelles while WP6P-based supramolecular amphiphile formed vesicles, which were suitable to load hydrophobic DOX and hydrophilic MTZ, respectively. The loaded drugs could be efficiently released by lowering the solution pH and adding Zn²⁺. Unlike conventional delivery systems, the properties of the supramolecular amphiphiles could be easily regulated by changing the functional groups. For example, a photo-responsive drug delivery system was established by introducing Azo group into the amphiphilic guest ²²⁴. Moreover, PDT and chemotherapy were combined using a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) photosensitizer as the hydrophobic part of the guest, greatly increasing the anticancer results in a synergistic approach ²²⁵.

Figure 15.

(a) Schematic illustration of the formation of supramolecular vesicles and their stimuli-responsive drug release. Reproduced with permission from ²²², copyright 2015 Royal Society of Chemistry. (b) Cartoon representation of the multifunctional supramolecular vesicles for chemophotothermal synergistic therapy. Reproduced with permission from ²²⁶, copyright 2018 American Chemical Society. (c) Illustration of the formation of vesicles and their redox/pH dual-responsive drug release. Reproduced with permission from ²²⁸, copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry.

Based on the recognition between WP5 and trimethylammonium, Fan et al. constructed bola-type multifunctional supramolecular amphiphiles for multimodal therapy (Figure 15b) ²²⁶. Unlike liposomes, the membrane of the vesicles self-assembled from the supramolecular amphiphile was composed of conjugated NIR-absorbing dyes (perylene diimide, PDI) and alkyl chains, which provided an additional driving force (π-π stacking) for the stabilization of the vesicles. On the other hand, the existence of PDI was helpful to encapsulate DOX in the hydrophobic membrane with high-loading efficiency. PDI also worked as a photothermal agent to enrich the functions of the supramolecular nanomedicine. The combination of PTT and chemotherapy exhibited more remarkable antitumor efficacy than single treatment. Additionally, PTT and PDT were simultaneously incorporated using an NIR-absorbing diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as the bridge of the supramolecular amphiphile ²²⁷. The cargo loaded in the vesicles was special, tirapazamine (TPZ) was a hypoxia-activated prodrugs that converted into cytotoxic oxidizing radicals in hypoxic environment, which could be produced by PDT process due to the continuous consumption of O₂. The cascade activation of chemotherapy cooperated with PDT and PTT to synergistically combat against cancer.

A ferrocenecarboxylic acid capped pillar[5]arene (FACP5) was developed that self-assembled into single-layered vesicles (Figure 15c) ²²⁸. Supramolecular guest with a galactose residue was plugged in the cavity of FACP5 in the membrane was through the host-guest complexation between pyridinium and FACP5. Galactose on the surface worked as targeting ligand to specifically deliver DOX∙HCl to MCF-7 cells overexpressing galectin via the carbohydrate-protein interactions. The supramolecular vesicles exhibited an AND logic gate function to fine-tune drug release. The vesicles disassembled at low solution pH in the presence of GSH, while the structure was maintained either by adding GSH or by regulating the solution pH to 4.0 alone. The host-guest interaction was vanished after the COO^- was protonated into COOH and the cationic ferrocenium was reduced into neutral ferrocenyl group. Additionally, Pei et al. intelligently prepared another type of supramolecular vesicles based on the complexation between a tryptophan-modified pillar[5]arene (TP5) and the same guest for synergistic and targeted drug delivery ²²⁹. It should be pointed out that the multivalent interactions between the ten indole rings of tryptophan groups on the macrocyclic platform and the intracellular DNA created synergistic effect with the drug loaded in the cavity of supramolecular vesicles, showing potential in overcoming drug resistance.

Another part of supramolecular amphiphiles were also prepared by the scientists by using anticancer drugs as the hydrophobic parts, such as DOX and CPT ^230-234. The solubility of the drugs was effectively enhanced and the cellular internalization was adjusted. For example, large aggregated were formed by CPT along several micrometers in size, which was unfavorable for cellular uptake ²³⁵. While the size of the self-assemblies decrease to ~100 nm by the formation of therapeutic supramolecular amphiphile, significantly increasing the uptake by the cells. More importantly, the anticancer activity of the drugs was maintained by rationally using pH-, and GSH-responsive linkages. In vitro studies confirmed that the anticancer efficacy of these supramolecular drugs was satisfactory.

5.2. Supramolecular polymeric drug delivery systems

For the water soluble P[n]As modified by anionic carboxylate or phosphate groups, the negatively charged property is unfavorable for cellular internalization. In order to solve this problem, Huang et al. exploited a ternary supramolecular system using a hydrophilic diblock copolymer methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)₁₁₄-block-poly(_L-lysine hydrochloride)₂₀₀ to balance the charges (Figure 16a and b) ²³⁶. The solubility of a photo-cleavable prodrug (Py-Cbl) was firstly improved by loading it in the hydrophobic cavity of WP6. The host-guest complex was further utilized as supramolecular crosslink to prepare ternary polyion complex (PIC) micelles through multiple electrostatic interactions. The neutral PEG shell not only stabilized the PIC micelles, but also facilitated cellular endocytosis of the ternary micelles. As anticipated, the core-shell structured PIC micelles were uptaken by cancer cells, and the active anticancer drug chlorambucil was successfully release upon irradiation.

Figure 16.

(a) Chemical structures of the building blocks. (b) Cartoon representation of the self-assembly process of a ternary complex micelle. Reproduced with permission from ²³⁶, copyright 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (c) Illustration of the assembly and disassembly of thermo- and oxidation-responsive supramolecular polymeric vesicles. Reproduced with permission from ²³⁷, copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry. (d) Chemical structures and cartoon representations of the building blocks. (e) Schematic illustration of the formation of polymersomes self-assembled from the amphiphilic supramolecular dicopolymer and their use as reduction-responsive drug delivery vehicles. Reproduced with permission from ²³⁸, copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (f) Chemical structures and cartoon representations of the building blocks. (g) Schematic illustration of the formation of supramolecular nanoparticles self-assembled from the amphiphilic supramolecular brush copolymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Reproduced with permission from ²³⁹, copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry.

Considering the stimuli-responsive property of the host-guest chemistry, sophisticated supramolecular drug delivery systems have been fabricated using the non-covalent bonds as the linkers. On the basis of pillar[6]arene-ferrocene recognition, Wang et al. prepared an amphiphilic supramolecular diblock copolymer using pillar[6]arene-terminal-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM-P⁶) and ferrocene-terminal-modified methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG-Fc) and the building blocks (Figure 16c) ²³⁷. Supramolecular vesicles were obtained through hierarchical self-assembly, which exhibited thermo and oxidation dual-responsiveness. Accelerated drug release was monitored by lowering the temperature or adding oxidizing agent caused by the solubility changes of the host polymer and the oxidation of the ferrocene moiety of the guest polymer, respectively.

The recognition between pillar[5]arene and MV is frequently used in the construction of functional supramolecular architectures. A supramolecular diblock copolymer and a supramolecular brush copolymer were prepared by Huang et al. using the concept of ''block-copolymer-free'' strategy with pillar[5]arene-based host-guest chemistry (Figure 16d-g) ^{238, 239}. For example, P5-PEG-Biotin referred to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) containing a triglycol monomethyl ether-modified pillar[5]arene host and a biotin targeting group on each side and PCL-C₂V referred to poly(caprolactone) with a viologen terminator were connected by the host-guest complex with a binding constant of (1.14 ± 0.11) × 10⁴ M^-1. The obtained supramolecular amphiphile P5-PEG-Biotin⊃PCL-C2V self-assembled into polymersomes in water, which were further utilized to encapsulate DOX. The biotin decorating the surface endowed supramolecular polymersomes with excellent targeting ability, preferentially delivering DOX to biotin receptor-positive HeLa cancer cells. The reduction of the viologen group by the intracellular reductase NAD(P)H resulted in the release of DOX arising from the disassembly of the polymersomes. Using the aggregation-induced emissive polymer as a scaffold, a supramolecular brush copolymer was fabricated utilizing pillar[5]arene-based host-guest chemistry, which was further used as a self-imaging delivery vehicle. In situ drug release was monitored by rationally exploiting the Förster resonance energy transfer and aggregation-caused quenching phenomenon. Compared with free DOX, the circulation time and anti-tumor efficacy of these two sophisticated supramolecular nanomedicines were profoundly promoted, while the systematic toxicity was decreased through flexible and modular supramolecular strategy.

5.3. Supramolecular hybrid nanomaterials for drug delivery

Over the past decades, organic-inorganic hybrid materials have attracted increasing attention because of their excellent properties and processability that can enormously differ from those of the separate ones ^240-247. These hybrids widely applied in bio-relevant applications based on controlled delivery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical agents. Combining the merits of the fine-tuning properties of hybrid nanomaterials and the dynamic nature of supramolecular chemistry, supramolecular hybrids provide unique ways to bridge the gap between materials sciences, supramolecular chemistry, and nanotechnology, offering novel perspectives for the application of supramolecular hybrids in theranostics.

On account of their rigid structure, desirable surface area, high porosity, excellent biocompatibility, and exceptional stability, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for drug delivery. Unfortunately, the poor water dispersibility and difficult post-modification of MOFs greatly limit their biomedical applications. Pei et al. designed a supramolecular hybrid delivery system using WP6 to assemble with DOX-loaded zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8@DOX) to enhance its water dispersibility through the coordination between the metal nodes and the carboxyl group of WP6 ²⁴⁸. Host-guest chemistry was employed to introduce targeting ligand on the hybrid surface, thus improving the selectivity in killing hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cells. Inspired by designable layer-by-layer assembly concept and facile surface engineering, Yang et al. reported a proof-of-concept multifunctional nanoplatform (PUWPFa) for synergistic cancer chemophotothermal therapy (Figure 17a and b) ²⁴⁹. In this supramolecular hybrid, the polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) acting as the core were excellent photothermal agent. The MOF-PPy NPs scaffold allowed the hybrid to load 5FU with a high loading efficiency. Interestingly, pillar[6]arene-based [5]pseudorotaxanes were pH/temperature dual-responsive gatekeepers, allowing targeted drug delivery and precise drug release, minimizing collateral damage to normal tissues. Folic acid grafted polyethyleneimine (PEI-Fa) at the outmost layer was able to enhance tumor accumulation and therapeutic performance. In vivo anti-tumor investigations demonstrated the satisfactory therapeutic outcomes of this newly developed multifunctional nanoplatform.

Figure 17.

(a) Schematic illustration of the preparation of PUWPFa nanoparticles and (b) their application for dual targeted chemophotothermal therapy. Reproduced with permission from ²⁴⁹, copyright 2018 American Chemical Society. (c) Schematic illustration of the fabrication process and operation of Fe₃O₄@UiO-66@WP6 theranostic nanoplatform and the structures of the representative building blocks. Reproduced with permission from ²⁵¹, copyright 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cerium oxide nanomaterials have been approved to possess anticancer effect mainly by inducing oxidative stress and causing lipid peroxidation and cell membrane leakage. Pei et al. non-covalently modified cerium oxide nanorods (CeONRs) by a galactose functionalized pillar[5]arene (GP⁵) for target drug delivery ²⁵⁰. Anticancer drug was trapped in the porous pores of the inorganic support, and 2-((3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)disulfanyl) pyridine (TPDP) endowed the multi-component delivery system with GSH responsiveness. As expected, this supramolecular system multiple functions enhanced the anticancer efficacy in a synergistic manner.

Other inorganic nanomaterials can also be employed to develop multifunctional supramolecular hybrids, such as Fe₃O₄, CuS, and so on, significantly enriching the properties for cancer theranostics. For example, Yang et al. constructed a pillar[6]arene nanovalve operated supramolecular hybrid (Fe₃O₄@UiO-66@WP6) combining the merits of multi-stimuli responsive drug release (Figure 17c) ²⁵¹, MRI guidance, and effective chemotherapy. Fe₃O₄ particles acted as the inner core with superior abilities of MRI and the UiO-66 MOF shell was designed to load anticancer drug 5FU with a high loading capacity. The surface of the inorganic core-shell nanocomposite was further installed by pillararene-based pseudorotaxanes as tightness-adjustable nanovalves through host-guest complexation with the aim to adjust drug release in response to the external-stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and ions. In vitro studies indicated that the drug-loaded Fe₃O₄@UiO-66@WP₆ with high anticancer efficacy and low toxicity against normal cell showed potential in cancer theranostics. Yu et al, functionalized CuS nanoparticles by WP5 through a facile one-pot supramolecular capping method ²⁵². Through host-guest interactions, the surface was further modified by a pyridinium-based guest containing a galactose as a targeting ligand. Driven by electrostatic interactions between negatively charged WP5 and positively charged DOX∙HCl, the anticancer drug could be attached on the smart supramolecular hydrid (CuS@CPG-DOX) with a high drug loading capacity (48.4%). The combination of PTT and chemotherapy exhibited a remarkably enhanced therapeutic effect, as well as excellent biocompatibility.

Recently, Chen et al. developed a supramolecular hybrid material (GO@CP6⊃PyN) using a pillar[6]arene-based host-guest complex to decorate the surface of graphene oxide (GO) through non-covalent interaction (Figure 18a and b) ²⁵³. Compared with free GO, the absorption of the hybrid was greatly improved by supramolecular formulation, which was favorable to enhancing its photothermal effect and PA signal by improving the light absorption efficiency. More excitingly, the bicarbonate counterions on the surface of GO@CP6⊃PyN were decomposed into CO₂ nanobubbles upon laser irradiation, which acted as supramolecular chaperone to effectively amplify the US and PA signals of the supramolecular hybrid material. This work suggested that the introduction of supramolecular chemistry not only remedied the disadvantages of pristine GO, but also introduced novel functions into the hybrid, confirming supramolecular method was an exceedingly exquisite strategy to fabricate multifunctional hybrid materials for precise diagnosis/imaging and highly effective therapy.

Figure 18.

(a) Chemical structures of the building blocks (b) Schematic representation of the preparation of supramolecular hybrid material exhibiting NIR light-triggered PA and US imaging enhancement. Reproduced with permission from ²⁵³, copyright 2018 Royal Society of Chemistry.

6. Conclusions and perspectives

As discussed above, a variety of sophisticated supramolecular theranostics have been developed and applied in theranostic fields. Some of them have already been approved by FDA for clinical use, and some of them are in clinical trial. Benefiting from the host-guest chemistry, the stability/solubility of the drugs are effectively enhanced, the pharmacokinetics behaviors and duration of activity are significantly improved, thus fulfilling the requirements from patients and doctors. Owing to the dynamic nature, the preparations of the functional supramolecular architectures are easy and feasible through “Lego-like” self-assembly, avoiding time-consuming synthesis and purification. By rationally exploiting the stimuli-responsive properties of host-guest chemistry, spatial and temporal release of the loaded cargoes can be released, greatly enhancing the therapeutic results and reducing the side effects. Although supramolecular theranostics on the basis of host-guest chemistry have been extensively developed over the past years and achieved a series of charming progresses, there still remain several issues that researchers are facing. For example, although various supramolecular systems have been developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, these investigations are stuck in vitro. It is extremely hard for the nanosystems to efficiently deliver drugs to brain by crossing blood brain barrier. This challenge has impeded the scientist for decades and will continue to be an obstacle. How to rationally employ supramolecular strategy on the basis of their dynamic properties to remove this block on the way will be an interesting topic. Additionally, the syntheses of some macrocycles are difficult to scale up, which may also be a problem for clinical use.

New macrocyclic hosts are urgently demanded for the fabrication of smart supramolecular theranostics. The reported hosts mainly include crown ethers, cyclodextrins, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes. Recently, supramolecular metal-based systems including MOF and supramolecular coordination complexes are utilized as hosts to loaded cargoes, and the theranostic results are quite exciting. ^254-267 Apart from cyclodextrins, almost no products have been approved or even in clinical trials using the other macrocycles due to their potential toxicity and immunogenicity. If these artificial compounds cannot be cleared from body quickly and effectively, immunotoxicities are hardly avoided. More attentions need to pay during the development of novel theranostic host-guest systems. Biocompatibility and degradability are required for the next-generation of hosts, while their host-guest complexation capability and stimuli-responsiveness should be maintained.

For the mostly reported photo-responsive groups, they are sensitive to UV and visible light. Unfortunately, the tissue penetration of the light with short wavelengths is extremely poor, closing the door to in vivo applications. Although upconversion nanomaterials and two photon responsive groups have been utilized, the results are unsatisfactory due to the low conversion efficiency. Considering the non-limited penetration depth highly localized control of ultrasound and X-ray, novel responsive groups sensitive to these stimuli will be promising candidates in the future applications. Simultaneously, ultrasound therapy and radiotherapy can be integrated into the supramolecular systems, achieving synergistic efficacy.

The complexation and decomplexation of the host-guest systems need to be reasonably balanced during the delivery process and after cellular internalization, which is favorable to enhance anticancer efficacy while reduce undesirable side effects. In order to inhibit the premature release, the host-guest interaction should tightly connect the building blocks to stabilize the supramolecular delivery systems. Triggered by the tumor-specific biomarkers, burst release is required upon endocytosis by the cancer cells arising from the dissociation of the host-guest complexation. For most of the host-guest recognitions, the association constants are lower than 10⁵ M^-1, which indicated that a large portion of the complex will disassemble after being injected into the bloodstream caused by the dilution-induced dissociation. Therefore, it is essential to introduce other driving forces to maintain the complexation during circulation. For example, the host-guest complexes can be embedded into polymeric scaffolds to fabricate supramolecular polymeric nanoformulations, thus significantly improving their stability.

The understanding of intractable disease especially for cancers is rapidly growing, which requires more collaboration with the multidisciplinary researchers from chemistry, materials engineering, cancer biology, pharmacology, and oncology. New biomaterials are urgently desired to develop personalized theranostic platforms for precise diagnosis and intelligent therapy. Supramolecular chemistry provides a new choice for the scientist to construct smart and effective nanotheranostics. The inherent shortages of some drugs that lead to their failure in clinical trials can be possibly solved by taking full advantages of supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology, possibly changing the trash (failed drugs) into treasures. In view of the significant research efforts being dedicated, we believe that humanity will greatly benefit from supramolecular theranostics in the near future.