About this Research Topic
Macrocycle-based host–guest interactions have played an important role in the development of supramolecular chemistry. Burgeoning progress has been continuously made in the development of supramolecular assemblies by using various host molecules, such as cyclodextrins, cucurbit[n]urils, calix[n]arenes, pillar[n]arenes, and other macrocycles. The architectures and properties of different hosts endow themselves with versatile abilities to bind with different guest molecules. As a result, macrocyclic hosts exhibit significant potentials in building various functional materials, such as hydrogels, functional supramolecular polymers, transmembrane channels, analyte sensors and drug delivery systems.
The aim of this Research Topic is to outline and summarize the most innovative research regarding the synthesis, host-guest properties, and new applications of traditional or novel macrocylic hosts. This Research Topic will provide guidance for the future rational design of macrocylic hosts and their applications in a wide variety of diverse research areas from molecular machines to biomedicine.
In this Research Topic, authors are encouraged to report on materials that take advantage of macrocylic hosts including, but not limited to mechanically interlocked molecules, supramolecular polymers, receptors, sensors, hydrogels, and nanocarriers. Reports on host-guest interactions that form the nanostructures are also encouraged. The prepared nanostructures may have (or have potential) applications in a wide variety of diverse research areas from molecular machines to biomedicine. The scope includes the following areas:
• Mechanically interlocked molecules constructed by macrocylic hosts
• Supramolecular polymers driven by macrocycle-based host-guest interactions
• Nanocarriers constructed from macrocycle-based supra-amphiphiles
• Hydrogels mediated by macrocycle-based host-guest interactions
• Nanocomposites constructed by macrocylic hosts
• Macrocyclic hosts as receptors, sensors and transporters.
Keywords: Host-guest interaction, Macrocycles, Self-assembly, Supramolecular chemistry, Receptors
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.