Nano-Theranostics Constructed from Terpyridine-Modified Pillar [5]arene-Based Supramolecular Amphiphile and Its Application in Both Cell Imaging and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Theranostics play an important role in cancer treatment due to its realized real-time tracking of therapeutic efficacy in situ. In this work, we have designed and synthesized a terpyridine-modified pillar [5]arenes (TP5). By the coordination of terpyridine and Zn2+, the complex TP5/Zn was obtained. Then, supramolecular amphiphile can be constructed by using host–guest complexation between a polyethylene glycol contained guest (PM) and TP5/Zn. Combining the fluorescence properties from the terpyridine group and the amphiphilicity from the system, the obtained TP5/Zn/PM can further be self-assembled into fluorescent particles with diameters of about 150 nm in water. The obtained particles can effectively load anti-cancer drugs and realize living cell imaging and a precise release of the drugs.

Applications of Supramolecular Polymers Generated from Pillar[n]arene-Based Molecules

“…Pillararenes and their derivatives, with macrocyclic cavities, exhibit robust recognition capacities based on supramolecular interactions, particularly for ions and biomolecules, making them a focal point in this burgeoning field. Structure modifications can be achieved using various methods, including thermal responsiveness [65][66][67], electrochemical responsiveness [68][69][70], redox reactivity [71], and the incorporation of fluorescent [72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80] and other functional units [81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89]. The chemical structures of pillar[n]arenes and guest molecules mentioned in this section are listed in Scheme 3.…”

Approaches to Nanoparticle Labeling: A Review of Fluorescent, Radiological, and Metallic Techniques

“…The visualization of the nanoparticles within living cells was achieved using a laser scanning confocal microscope. 39 Similarly, Song et al developed NIR-II gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) coated with host cyclodextrin (CD) to label guest proteins with fluorescence. The stable macrocycle-based host−guest complexation of CD-Au NCs allowed efficient labeling of proteins/ antibodies functionalized with guest molecules, thereby enabling the tracking of their physiological behavior in vivo.…”

“…The host molecule was terpyridine-modified pillar arenes coordinated with Zn 2+ (TP5/Zn), while the guest molecule was polyethylene glycol (PM). The visualization of the nanoparticles within living cells was achieved using a laser scanning confocal microscope . Similarly, Song et al developed NIR-II gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) coated with host cyclodextrin (CD) to label guest proteins with fluorescence.…”

Novel fluorescent probe for sequential recognition of Zn2+ and pyrophosphate in aqueous based on aggregation-induced emission

“…Hence, the identification and detection of Zn 2+ ions is of great significance for understanding the pathophysiological homeostasis and biological processes in the human body. To date, numerous fluorescent chemical sensors for Zn 2+ have been designed and developed [19][20][21][22] , but there are limitations such as complex multistep syntheses, insufficient selectivity and/or sensitivity. Therefore, the development of water-soluble zinc sensors that are easy to prepare with improved sensitivity and selectivity will continue to be an area of interest [23,24] .…”