Cucurbituril-Based Biomacromolecular Assemblies

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021 Feb 19;60(8):3870-3880. doi: 10.1002/anie.202009797. Epub 2020 Dec 23.

Abstract

The construction of controlled biomacromolecular assemblies has become a thriving area of supramolecular chemistry. In this context, cucurbiturils (CBs), a class of macrocyclic receptors having robust skeletons, hydrophobic cavities, and carbonyl-laced portals, have been drawn into the limelight because of their advantageous molecular recognition characteristics with a variety of biomacromolecules, including peptides, nucleic acids, and proteins. In this minireview, we focus on the impressive advances in CB-based biomacromolecular assemblies, such as in biosensors and assays, the regulation of biochemical reactions, and the treatment of serious diseases. CB-promoted subcellular bioimaging has also been demonstrated in different organelles. The case studies presented herein demonstrate the numerous applications, from fundamental research to translational applications, of diverse CB-based supra/biomacromolecular architectures.

Keywords: bioimaging; cucurbiturils; nucleic acids; peptides; proteins.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't