cis-Diaminostilbene dihydrochloride encapsulated in cucurbit[7]uril does not spontaneously isomerize to the trans isomer at room temperature as a result of the strong host-guest interactions including strong hydrogen bonds between the two protonated amine termini of the C-shaped guest and the portal oxygen atoms of the host.

A supramolecular phosphorescent switch, composed of a linear assembly formed by photosensitive bromophenylpyridium derivative and cucurbit[8]uril, can respond to the dual stimulation ultraviolet light heating with good reversible stability.

The X-ray crystal structure of 1,12-dodecane diammonium (C(12)DA(2+)) encapsulated in cucurbit[8]uril reveals an unconventional U-shaped conformation of C(12)DA(2+), which is attributed to the favorable host-guest interactions to overcome the charge-charge repulsion of the two ammonium groups in close proximity and high internal strain.

A simple modular aptamer-based sensor (aptasensor) platform was prepared by combining the merits of the rapid and efficient preparation of a self-assembled monolayer of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7] SAM) and the strong and specific binding affinity of CB[7] to ferrocenemethylammonium (FA), as an ultrastable supramolecular linker, to immobilize aptamers on CB[7] SAM.

The stability of the inclusion complexes formed between the host cucurbit[7]uril and dendrimers containing a single ferrocene residue is strongly affected by the solution pH and the growth of the dendrimer, reaching its highest values on the second and third generation dendrimers, whereas no complex is formed with the first generation compound.

The interplay of Phe-Gly-Gly (FGG)-tagged proteins and bivalent FGG-tagged penta(ethylene glycol) as guest molecules with cucurbit[8]uril (Q8) hosts is studied to modulate the supramolecular assembly process. Ring structure formation of the bivalent guest molecule with Q8 leads to enhanced binding properties and efficient inhibition of protein assemblies.

Hydrophobic monofunctionalized cucurbit[7]uril derivatives (1 and 2) were synthesized by clicking CB[7]-azide with propargylated alkylamines. Compounds 1 and 2 form self-inclusion complexes that are transformed into vesicle-type assemblies by addition of guests (3-5) as confirmed by (1)H and DOSY NMR, SEM, TEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

A cyanostilbene-based amphiphile (CS) was synthesized, which could self-assemble into non-emissive bilayer vesicles and ultra-thin ribbons. Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) could form an inclusion complex with CS with a significant hypochrome effect, giving a strong blue emission from non-emissive species. CS underwent photoisomerization induced by light irradiation, which allowed the membrane contracti...

A novel three-way supramolecular switch based on the interconversion of hetero-guest-pair (D-A) and homo-guest-pair (D(2) or A(2)) inclusion inside cucurbit[8]uril is reported, which can be selectively controlled by chemical or electrochemical stimuli.