Pillar[n]arene-based polymeric systems for biomedical applications

Abstract

The study of biomedical applications based on supramolecular chemistry from versatile fascinating macrocyclic molecules to various self-assembled architectures has achieved considerable headway in the past decades. Herein, recent advances on pillar[n]arene-based polymers involving the synthesis, self-assembly as well as their practical and promising applications in controlled drug release, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and anti-bacteria are holistically summarized. Through direct and powerful covalent and supplementary non-covalent strategies, functional pillar[n]arene-based polymers combining intelligent and controllable characteristics could be thoroughly constructed, offering marvelous prospects for promoting biomedical materials. In particular, pillar[n]arenes serving as terminal groups, side chains, cross-linkers, and building blocks are integrated into polymeric architectures to endow the entire supramolecular systems with more intriguing properties, such as distinct self-assembly behavior and charming stimuli-responsiveness. Some integral characterization tools are also employed to facilitate a deep understanding of the analytical process and interesting results. Overall, this review could lay a sound basis for the development of supramolecular system-based biomedical applications.