Article
Polymer Science
Yiming Li, Jiaqing Liu, Ke Shui, Fan Xie, Xuan Li, Yi Lin, Zehua Zhou, Qing Zhang, Fengqi Guo, Lijun Li, Jinchong Xiao, Meng Wang, Chang-Qi Ma
Summary: In this study, a one-step protocol was developed to synthesize end-capped polymers with control over molecular weight. The research found a linear relationship between number-average molecular weight and weight-average molecular weight. The use of 4'-bromobenzo-18-crown-6 reduced end-group defects and improved the performance of the solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Conghui Wang, Ying-Ming Zhang, Haoran Li, Jin Zhang, Yu Zhou, Guoxing Liu, Xiufang Xu, Yu Liu
Summary: Conformational regulation is not only a main pathway for achieving multiple tasks in complex biological systems, but also a powerful strategy for obtaining stimuli-responsive supramolecular nanoconstructs with tailored physicochemical performance. This study demonstrates that synergistic conformational modulation through intra- and intermolecular interactions can be developed as a generalizable approach to construct more advanced biomimetic nanomaterials.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Chao, Ziyan Shen, Yuxin Pei, Zhichao Pei
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of covalently bridged pillararene-based oligomers (CBPOs) in terms of their synthesis, design, and applications, highlighting their role as efficient building blocks for constructing novel smart supramolecular polymers (SPs). The extensive applications of CBPOs and CBPO-based SPs in various areas are systematically introduced, along with future challenges and perspectives for CBPOs.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maksym Matviyishyn, Agata Bialonska, Bartosz Szyszko
Summary: Crownphyrins are a class of hybrid macrocycles combining structural features of porphyrin and crown ethers. They possess the ability to bind neutral and ionic guests. The presence of dynamic covalent imine linkages connecting the dipyrrin segment with the ether chain enables unusual coordination behavior of crownphyrins.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saveh Djalali, Pablo Simon Marques, Bradley D. Frank, Lukas Zeininger
Summary: A synthetically minimal artificial emulsion platform has been designed in this study, capable of autonomously adapting to its chemical environment through interfacial supramolecular recognition events. The platform demonstrates programmed up- and down-regulating capabilities by selectively assembling synthesized crown ether surfactants onto anisotropic biphasic emulsion droplets. This adaptive soft material platform showcases utility in self-regulated uptake and release of metal ions, biomimetic recognition of biomolecules, and triggered surface-encoded payload release applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zongfu An, Shiyu Xu, Jun Hyuk Lee, Anseong Park, Minhwan Lee, N. Clament Sagaya Selvam, Gwan Hyun Choi, Peng Zhang, Jeong-Won Ho, Won Bo Lee, Pil J. Yoo
Summary: In this study, a powerful separator was developed by filling the interior of a poly-propylene separator with self-assembled supramolecules. This separator overcomes the limitations of lithium polysulfide shuttling and improves the selectivity of lithium ions. By optimizing the sulfur redox kinetics, the proposed separator inhibits LiPS shuttling, enhances Li-ion transport, and promotes highly efficient and durable Li-S batteries.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Zhaona Liu, Huacheng Zhang, Jie Han
Summary: The combination of Nobel macrocycle-crown ether and star macrocycle-pillararenes offers significant advantages in organic synthesis and material science, providing hybrid systems with flexible/rigid structural architecture, induced planar chirality, negative cooperative effect, and multiple fused cyclic hosts. The synthesis and preparation of these hybrid systems can be achieved through various bonding methods, leading to applications in molecular recognition, ion channels, and smart materials. Researchers are encouraged to explore academic and technical issues related to topological structures and applied functions in this emerging field of fused macrocycles.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyi Luo, Zhen Xu, Fei Zhong, Hui Li, Lidong Chen
Summary: This review article revisits the fundamental principles and characterization methods of charge transfer mechanisms in molecular doping of organic semiconductors. It highlights the key points for the formation of integer charge transfer (ICT) and charge transfer complex (CTC) from both molecular structure and process engineering aspects. The strategies to improve the proportion of ICT are discussed, and the challenges and perspectives for future developments in molecular doping of polymer semiconductors are provided.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2024)
Review
Polymer Science
Zhaozhao Duan, Fenfen Xu, Xiaohui Huang, Yongchao Qian, Hui Li, Wei Tian
Summary: Supramolecular polymers, constructed through self-assembly of noncovalent interactions like host-guest interaction, have both the advantages of traditional polymers and unique characteristics. Crown ethers, as a widely used host molecule, can be easily modified and derivatized, making them ideal candidates for the fabrication of interesting supramolecular polymers.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ying Lin, Jiefang Sun, Xinyue Xiang, Haili Yu, Bing Shao, Yi He
Summary: This study reports a surfactant-involved colorimetric assay for visual and sensitive detection of fentanyl. The method utilizes surfactants to enhance the intermolecular interaction and stabilize the compound formation, leading to molecular recognition and a distinct color change. The assay demonstrates a high response speed, low detection limit, and good selectivity, making it suitable for rapid and accurate analysis of food samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Panna Vezse, Bianka Benda, Andras Fekete, Adam Golcs, Tunde Toth, Peter Huszthy
Summary: Many biologically active compounds contain at least one amine function. However, the functionalization of amines often leads to mixtures due to limited selectivity upon the substitution of these groups. A tris(pyridino)-crown ether has been designed and synthesized to overcome these limitations and can distinguish protonated primary, secondary, and tertiary amines at a molecular level.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Fang Zhang, Fang-Fang Di, Peng-Fei Li, Ren-Gen Xiong
Summary: This review summarizes the research progress of crown ether host-guest molecular ferroelectrics, focusing on their crystal structure, phase transition, and ferroelectric-related properties. The article also outlines chemical design strategies for obtaining high-performance crown-ether-based molecular ferroelectrics. It provides guidance for the future exploration of crown ether host-guest molecular ferroelectrics.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Ping Chang, Li-Ying Sun, Zi-En Zhang, Yuan-Yuan An, Le Zhang, Jian-Gang Yu, Ying-Feng Han
Summary: A facile synthetic method was developed to form cage-annulated crown ether with anchored imidazolium units, demonstrating the potential application of the metal-carbene template approach in the preparation of novel flexible polyimidazolium cages. This approach may provide a new method for the preparation of flexible pure organic cages incorporating various functional sites.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xueling Pan, Qiutian Wang, Zihao Ma, Yao Qin, Xiaohua Lu, Wanqin Jin, Yudan Zhu
Summary: 18-Crown-6 ether has been widely studied for its excellent ionic recognition performance in biomimetic and smart nanomaterials for membrane separation, chemical sensing, and adsorption. However, the specific role of water molecules in ionic recognition by 18-crown-6 ether remains poorly understood. This study used molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the mechanism of water molecules in the ionic recognition performance of 18-crown-6 ether. The results showed that the recognition order of ions followed K+ > Na+ > Li+ > Fe2+ > Mg2+. The presence of Mg2+ enhanced the selectivity of K+ recognition compared to Na+. Detailed analysis revealed that changes in the hydrogen bond network structure of water molecules played a major role in the recognition process.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingqiang Zhou, Zheyi Liu, Yongjie Guo, Shiwen Liu, Heng Zhao, Shan Zhao, Chunlei Xiao, Shun Feng, Xueming Yang, Fangjun Wang
Summary: In this study, the effects of charge state and crown ether (CE) complexation on the gas-phase native-like protein structure were systematically investigated by integrating native mass spectrometry (nMS) with 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD). The results showed that CE complexation can greatly alleviate the structure disruption caused by the intramolecular solvation of charged side chains, resulting in a more stable and native-like protein structure in the gas phase.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xingcai Zhang, Luo Hai, Yibo Gao, Guocan Yu, Yingli Sun
Summary: This article summarizes the most important advances in RNA delivery and nanomedicine, introducing lipid nanoparticle-based RNA therapeutics and their impact on drug development. It describes the fundamental properties of key RNA members and recent advances in nanoparticles for targeted RNA delivery, with a focus on lipid nanoparticles. The review also presents recent advances in biomedical therapy using RNA drug delivery and state-of-the-art RNA application platforms, including the treatment of different types of cancer.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Yao, Jiyong Liu, Peiling Zhang, Kechang Sun, Leqiong Jin, Shijun Li, Feihe Huang, Zhigang Ni, Zibin Zhang
Summary: Self-assembly is a fundamental tool for constructing materials. Copillar[5]arenes, driven by CH center dot center dot center dot 7r interactions, are optimal models for building heteroditopic monomers. The self-assembly manner of copillar[5]arenes in the solid state depends on the competition between the pillar[5]arene cavity and the threading guest moiety or solvent molecules.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming Li, Yang Liu, Li Shao, Bin Hua, Mengbin Wang, Haozhong Liang, Niveen M. Khashab, Jonathan L. Sessler, Feihe Huang
Summary: Variable stoichiometry co-crystals are important in solid-state supramolecular chemistry as they allow for the study of structure-property relationships and the synthesis of new scaffolds. In this work, the concept of variable stoichiometry co-crystals is extended to pillararene chemistry, resulting in the construction of a diverse set of supramolecular structures. These co-crystals display different physicochemical properties and can be used for vapochromic-based detection.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haozhong Liang, Yuting Yang, Li Shao, Weijie Zhu, Xiaofeng Liu, Bin Hua, Feihe Huang
Summary: It is found that using pillar[5]arene (BrP5) as the macrocyclic host to encapsulate nonlinear optical (NLO) materials (OM, DAST, and MNS) can change their solid-state packing and manipulate their centrosymmetric arrangements, achieving second harmonic generation (SHG) in the solid and crystalline states. This research opens a new way to construct solid-state organic NLO materials with potential applications in high-power lasers, optical switches, and imaging.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Zheng, Huizheng Zhang, Na Wang, Lingyan Gao
Summary: The use of crown ethers as building blocks for water-soluble responsive materials is rarely reported. In this study, a dibenzo-24-crown-8 based low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) was found to form a gel in water and exhibit pH-responsive lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, which can be toggled on/off by the addition of acid and base.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Hui-Qing Peng, Wenping Zhu, Wu-Jie Guo, Qingyun Li, Shixiang Ma, Christophe Bucher, Bin Liu, Xiaofan Ji, Feihe Huang, Jonathan L. Sessler
Summary: Supramolecular polymers are self-assembled structures formed through noncovalent interactions, exhibiting reversibility, responsiveness, and stability. They have diverse applications in various fields. This review focuses on the determinants and driving forces of supramolecular polymer construction, highlighting the influence of different noncovalent interactions on their structure and function. Understanding these connections contributes to further advancements in this field.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huangtianzhi Zhu, Junkai Liu, Yitao Wu, Lei Wang, Haoke Zhang, Qi Li, Hu Wang, Hao Xing, Jonathan L. Sessler, Feihe Huang
Summary: In this study, a room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) system responsive to alkyl halides was described. The system consisted of a meta-formylphenyl-bearing pillar[5]arene derivative that supported effective through-space charge transfer. Treatment with bromoethane enhanced the emission. An isomeric para-formylphenyl-bearing pillar[5]arene system proved ineffective in producing an RTP effect.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenting Hu, Binglin Ye, Guocan Yu, Feihe Huang, Zhengwei Mao, Yuan Ding, Weilin Wang
Summary: With the increasing demand for personalized medical care, supramolecular theranostic systems based on cyclodextrins (CDs) have become popular due to their reversible switchable structures, sensitive response to biological stimuli, and ability to integrate multiple capabilities in a programmable manner. This review focuses on the design of various functional modules and interactions in CD-based supramolecular systems for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. By providing state-of-the-art examples, the review aims to enhance the understanding of the important role of cyclodextrin-based nanoplatforms in advancing supramolecular cancer theranostics.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Jun Hu, Yue Li, Guangkai Wu, Shuer Liang, Zihan Zhao, Jia Liu, Jiali Chen, Guocan Yu, Jianxia Sun, Weibin Bai
Summary: The current synthesis routes of anthocyanins are complicated, hindering their development. We optimized the method by introducing a selective iodination reaction and established a general scheme for preparing anthocyanin diglycosides, reducing steps and costs. We synthesized four common anthocyanins and two anthocyanin diglucosides, and measured their antioxidant and anti-insulin resistance activities.
Review
Polymer Science
Ruoqian Zhang, Rongrong Li, Feihe Huang, Mingming Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the progress of metallacycle/metallacage-cored supramolecular networks, focusing on the structures connected by covalent or non-covalent interactions. The detailed descriptions of the structures, properties, functions, and applications of such networks are provided to showcase the exciting achievements in this emerging field. The review also highlights the remaining challenges and perspectives to attract more scientists to contribute to this promising area.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xumei Ouyang, Dongruo Gao, Jie Shen, Yichen Zhou, Ying Gao, Yuanyuan Lv, Qiwen Wang, Guocan Yu, Paul K. Chu
Summary: To simplify the preparation of dendritic materials, host-guest molecular recognition and self-assembly are utilized to form a supramolecular dendritic gene vector (DNCVP). DNCVP is verified to be pH- and reducing-sensitive, enabling targeted gene delivery to tumors. Its excellent delivery ability is confirmed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating the promising potential of DNCVP as a supramolecular dendritic gene delivery vector.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dan Wu, Zhankui Zhang, Xinyue Li, Jie Zhou, Yibin Cao, Shaolong Qi, Lei Wang, Zhida Liu, Guocan Yu
Summary: We report a self-enhanced supramolecular nanomedicine (SND) based on the host-guest molecular recognition between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and camptothecin (CPT) for tri-modal synergistic chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). SND possesses capabilities of fluorescence imaging, PDT and PTT. Benefiting from the supramolecular assembly, SND not only improves the solubility of CPT but also enhances blood circulation time and tumor accumulation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunxuan Feng, Shaolong Qi, Xinyang Yu, Xueyan Zhang, Huangtianzhi Zhu, Guocan Yu
Summary: Despite the breakthrough of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors often have low response rate and resistance towards solid tumors. A hypoxic tumor microenvironment provides tumor cells with high concentrations of HIF-1 and polyamines to evade immune cell destruction. Reprogramming the immunogenic microenvironment has shown promising results in boosting immunotherapeutic performances.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiong Chen, Zhaoyong Li, Ye Lei, Yixin Chen, Hua Tang, Guangcheng Wu, Bin Sun, Yuxi Wei, Tianyu Jiao, Songna Zhang, Feihe Huang, Linjun Wang, Hao Li
Summary: Controlling the self-assembly on noncovalent components is possible by suppressing entropy loss with templates but this is challenging for covalent components. Here the authors employed directing groups to endow purely covalent molecular building blocks with different conformations which favor the formation of specific self-assembled products.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuedong Xiao, Ding Xiao, Guan Sheng, Tianyu Shan, Jiao Wang, Xiaohe Miao, Yikuan Liu, Guangfeng Li, Yihan Zhu, Jonathan L. Sessler, Feihe Huang
Summary: The integration of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) into purely organic crystalline materials has been achieved using a dative boron-nitrogen bond-driven self-assembly strategy, resulting in the preparation of polyrotaxane crystals. The polyrotaxane structure of the crystalline material was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and cryogenic high-resolution low-dose transmission electron microscopy. The polyrotaxane crystals exhibit enhanced softness and greater elasticity compared to nonrotaxane polymer controls, attributed to the synergistic microscopic motion of the rotaxane subunits. This work highlights the importance of integrating MIMs into crystalline materials.
