Supramolecular Chemistry of Polymer-Based Molecular Tweezers: A Minireview
Date
2024-09-14
Authors
Vafakish, Bahareh
Wilson, Lee
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MDPI
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Article
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Abstract
Polymer-based molecular tweezers have emerged as a prominent research area due to their enhanced ability to form host–guest complexes, driven by advancements in their design and synthesis. The impact of the spacer structure on the tweezers is predominant. They can be rigid, flexible, and stimuli-responsive. Herein, a new generation of molecular tweezers is introduced as polymer-based molecular tweezers. The integration of molecular tweezers onto biopolymers has significantly expanded their potential applications, making them promising candidates, especially in drug delivery, owing to their biocompatibility, adaptive structural features, and versatile interaction capabilities. The unique structure of polymer-based molecular tweezers, particularly when integrated with biopolymers, creates a unique nano-environment that enhances their interaction with guest molecules. This minireview focuses on the synthesis and applications of polymer-based molecular tweezers and examines how the incorporation of various spacers affects their binding affinity and specificity. These features highlight the advancement of these polymer-based systems, emphasizing their potential applications, particularly in drug delivery, water treatment technology, and future research opportunities.
Description
The version of record of this article, first published in MDPI, is available online at Publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces7030049
Keywords
molecular tweezers, spacer and pincers, host–guest, biopolymers, supramolecular chemistry
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item.page.relation.ispartofseries
DOI
10.3390/surfaces7030049