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Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 19122

Special Issue Editor

Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
Interests: supramolecular chemistry; responsive self-assembly; supramolecular coordination complexes and functional materials based on host–guest chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is one of the world’s most concerning health problems. Nanotheranostics, the integration of therapy and diagnosis in nanoformulations, is the next generation of personalized medicine designed to meet the challenges of precise cancer diagnosis, rational management, and effective therapy, which all aim to significantly increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Supramolecular chemistry is based on intermolecular bonds where species are bound together through non-covalent interactions. In terms of cancer treatment, when compared with traditional nanomaterials constructed by covalent bonds, supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics have unparalleled advantages in early diagnosis and personal treatment. Supramolecular nanomaterials have significant characteristic responsiveness, which can accurately report the location and state of a tumor and its response to treatment, and thus can improve the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects through design optimization, leading to a significant reduction in the risk of cancer treatment. Supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics, which provide a new choice for chemists, materials scientists, biologists, and physicians, have great potential in clinical transformation.

This Special Issue will focus on the latest innovations in supramolecular chemistry and supramolecular nanomaterials, especially the research progress of supramolecular cancer nanotheranostics.

I would like to invite you to submit an article to this Special Issue, which will lead to contributions in this interesting research field. Full research papers, communications, and review articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jiong Zhou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • supramolecular chemistry
  • cancer therapy
  • nanomaterials
  • theranostics
  • chemotherapy
  • imaging

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4877 KiB  
Communication
A Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly and NIR Photothermal Conversion Study of Organometallic Handcuffs
by Xiaoyan Lu, Jing-Jing Huang, Tian Chen, Jie Zheng, Ming Liu, Xin-Yi Wang, Yu-Xin Li, Xinkai Niu and Li-Long Dang
Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6826; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196826 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Due to their fascinating topological structures and application prospects, coordination supramolecular complexes have continuously been studied by scientists. However, the controlled construction and property study of organometallic handcuffs remains a significant and challenging research subject in the area of supramolecular chemistry. Hence, a [...] Read more.
Due to their fascinating topological structures and application prospects, coordination supramolecular complexes have continuously been studied by scientists. However, the controlled construction and property study of organometallic handcuffs remains a significant and challenging research subject in the area of supramolecular chemistry. Hence, a series of tetranuclear organometallic and heterometallic handcuffs bearing different size and metal types were rationally designed and successfully synthesized by utilizing a quadridentate pyridyl ligand (tetra-(3-pyridylphenyl)ethylene) based on three Cp*Rh (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) fragments bearing specific longitudinal dimensions and conjugated planes. These results were determined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis technology, ESI-MS NMR spectroscopy, etc. Importantly, the photoquenching effect of Cp* groups and the discrepancy of intermolecular π–π stacking interactions between building block and half-sandwich fragments promote markedly different photothermal conversion results. These results will further push the synthesis of topological structures and the development of photothermal conversion materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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10 pages, 2911 KiB  
Article
Supramolecular Crystal Networks Constructed from Cucurbit[8]uril with Two Naphthyl Groups
by Zhong-Zheng Gao, Lei Shen, Yu-Lu Hu, Ji-Fu Sun, Gang Wei and Hui Zhao
Molecules 2023, 28(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010063 - 21 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Naphthyl groups are widely used as building blocks for the self-assembly of supramolecular crystal networks. Host–guest complexation of cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) with two guests NapA and Nap1 in both aqueous solution and solid state has been fully investigated. Experimental data indicated that double guests [...] Read more.
Naphthyl groups are widely used as building blocks for the self-assembly of supramolecular crystal networks. Host–guest complexation of cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) with two guests NapA and Nap1 in both aqueous solution and solid state has been fully investigated. Experimental data indicated that double guests resided within the cavity of Q[8], generating highly stable homoternary complexes NapA2@Q[8] and Nap12@Q[8]. Meanwhile, the strong hydrogen-bonding and π···π interaction play critical roles in the formation of 1D supramolecular chain, as well as 2D and 3D networks in solid state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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9 pages, 3805 KiB  
Article
Nano-Theranostics Constructed from Terpyridine-Modified Pillar [5]arene-Based Supramolecular Amphiphile and Its Application in Both Cell Imaging and Cancer Therapy
by Youjun Zhou, Lu Yang, Longtao Ma, Ying Han, Chao-Guo Yan and Yong Yao
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6428; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196428 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1359
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+, [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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Review

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18 pages, 5246 KiB  
Review
Recent Development of Supramolecular Cancer Theranostics Based on Cyclodextrins: A Review
by Wenting Hu, Binglin Ye, Guocan Yu, Feihe Huang, Zhengwei Mao, Yuan Ding and Weilin Wang
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083441 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2432
Abstract
With the development of personalized medical demands for precise diagnosis, rational management and effective cancer treatment, supramolecular theranostic systems have received widespread attention due to their reversibly switchable structures, sensitive response to biological stimuli and integration ability for multiple capabilities in a single [...] Read more.
With the development of personalized medical demands for precise diagnosis, rational management and effective cancer treatment, supramolecular theranostic systems have received widespread attention due to their reversibly switchable structures, sensitive response to biological stimuli and integration ability for multiple capabilities in a single platform with a programmable fashion. Cyclodextrins (CDs), benefiting from their excellent characteristics, such as non-toxicity, easy modification, unique host–guest properties, good biocompatibility, etc., as building blocks, serve as an all-purpose strategy for the fabrication of a supramolecular cancer theranostics nanodevice that is capable of biosafety, controllability, functionality and programmability. This review focuses on the supramolecular systems of CD-bioimaging probes, CD-drugs, CD-genes, CD-proteins, CD-photosensitizers and CD-photothermal agents as well as multicomponent cooperation systems with regards to building a nanodevice with functions of diagnosis and (or) therapeutics of cancer treatment. By introducing several state-of-the-art examples, emphasis will be placed on the design of various functional modules, the supramolecular interaction strategies under the fantastic topological structures and the hidden “bridge” between their structures and therapeutic efficacy, aiming for further comprehension of the important role of a cyclodextrin-based nanoplatform in advancing supramolecular cancer theranostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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19 pages, 7975 KiB  
Review
Pillararene-Based Supramolecular Polymers for Cancer Therapy
by Miaomiao Yan and Jiong Zhou
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031470 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2507
Abstract
Supramolecular polymers have attracted considerable interest due to their intriguing features and functions. The dynamic reversibility of noncovalent interactions endows supramolecular polymers with tunable physicochemical properties, self-healing, and externally stimulated responses. Among them, pillararene-based supramolecular polymers show great potential for biomedical applications due [...] Read more.
Supramolecular polymers have attracted considerable interest due to their intriguing features and functions. The dynamic reversibility of noncovalent interactions endows supramolecular polymers with tunable physicochemical properties, self-healing, and externally stimulated responses. Among them, pillararene-based supramolecular polymers show great potential for biomedical applications due to their fascinating host–guest interactions and easy modification. Herein, we summarize the state of the art of pillararene-based supramolecular polymers for cancer therapy and illustrate its developmental trend and future perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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17 pages, 4421 KiB  
Review
Porous Framework Materials for Bioimaging and Cancer Therapy
by Meng Jin, Yingying Zhao, Zong-Jie Guan and Yu Fang
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031360 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2102
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the most pressing diseases in the world. Traditional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy still show certain limitations. Recently, numerous cancer treatments have been proposed in combination with novel materials, such as photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and a [...] Read more.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing diseases in the world. Traditional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy still show certain limitations. Recently, numerous cancer treatments have been proposed in combination with novel materials, such as photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and a combination of therapeutic approaches. These new methods have shown significant advantages in reducing side effects and synergistically enhancing anti-cancer efficacy. In addition to the above approaches, early diagnosis and in situ monitoring of lesion areas are also important for reducing side effects and improving the success rate of cancer therapy. This depends on the decent use of bioimaging technology. In this review, we mainly summarize the recent advances in porous framework materials for bioimaging and cancer therapy. In addition, we present future challenges relating to bioimaging and cancer therapy based on porous framework materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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24 pages, 6345 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Supramolecular-Macrocycle-Based Nanomaterials in Cancer Treatment
by Zheng Pan, Xinzhi Zhao, Qiushi Li, Zhanzhan Zhang and Yang Liu
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031241 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2246
Abstract
Cancer is a severe threat to human life. Recently, various therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy have been extensively applied in cancer treatment. However, the clinical benefits of these therapeutics still need improvement. In recent years, supramolecular chemistry based [...] Read more.
Cancer is a severe threat to human life. Recently, various therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy have been extensively applied in cancer treatment. However, the clinical benefits of these therapeutics still need improvement. In recent years, supramolecular chemistry based on host–guest interactions has attracted increasing attention in biomedical applications to address these issues. In this review, we present the properties of the major macrocyclic molecules and the stimulus–response strategies used for the controlled release of therapeutic agents. Finally, the applications of supramolecular-macrocycle-based nanomaterials in cancer therapy are reviewed, and the existing challenges and prospects are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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44 pages, 2208 KiB  
Review
Hydrogen Sulfide Biology and Its Role in Cancer
by Saadullah Khattak, Mohd Ahmar Rauf, Nazeer Hussain Khan, Qian-Qian Zhang, Hao-Jie Chen, Pir Muhammad, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Mohammad N. Alomary, Muhammad Jahangir, Chun-Yang Zhang, Xin-Ying Ji and Dong-Dong Wu
Molecules 2022, 27(11), 3389; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113389 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 5492
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous biologically active gas produced in mammalian tissues. It plays a very critical role in many pathophysiological processes in the body. It can be endogenously produced through many enzymes analogous to the cysteine family, while the [...] Read more.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous biologically active gas produced in mammalian tissues. It plays a very critical role in many pathophysiological processes in the body. It can be endogenously produced through many enzymes analogous to the cysteine family, while the exogenous source may involve inorganic sulfide salts. H2S has recently been well investigated with regard to the onset of various carcinogenic diseases such as lung, breast, ovaries, colon cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. H2S is considered an oncogenic gas, and a potential therapeutic target for treating and diagnosing cancers, due to its role in mediating the development of tumorigenesis. Here in this review, an in-detail up-to-date explanation of the potential role of H2S in different malignancies has been reported. The study summarizes the synthesis of H2S, its roles, signaling routes, expressions, and H2S release in various malignancies. Considering the critical importance of this active biological molecule, we believe this review in this esteemed journal will highlight the oncogenic role of H2S in the scientific community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Cancer Nanotheranostics)
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