Aqueous polymer self-assembly based on cucurbit[n]uril-mediated host-guest interactions

Abstract

In recent years, cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) have attracted considerable attentions on account of their unique structure and host-guest binding properties. In this review, recent research progress in the Scherman group, on aqueous polymeric self-assembly via CB[n]-mediated host-guest interactions, is summarized. It covers the research achievements of CB[n]-mediated host-guest complexation on the construction of/application in (1) supramolecular macromolecular engineering and corresponding self-assemblies, (2) supramolecular polymerization, (3) single polymer chain nanoparticles, (4) supramolecular polymer microcapsules, (5) supramolecular polymer hydrogels, (6) colloidal clusters, and (7) surface engineering. In recent years, cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) have attracted considerable attentions on account of their unique structure and host-guest binding properties. In this article, recent research progress in the Scherman group, on CB[n]-mediated polymeric self-assembly, is summarized. It covers supramolecular macromolecular engineering and corresponding self-assemblies, supramolecular polymerization, single polymer chain nanoparticles, supramolecular polymer microcapsules, supramolecular polymer hydrogels, colloidal clusters, and surface engineering.