A supramolecular assay based on two fluorescent cucurbit[n]uril probes enables the recognition and quantification of nitrosamines, including cancer-associated nitrosamines, compounds that are difficult to recognize. The cross-reactive sensor leverages weak interactions and competition among the probe, metal, and guest, yielding high information density in the signal output (variance) and enabli...

Supramolecular assembly of a beta-barrel protein via cucurbit[8]uril results in compact z-shaped protein dimers. SAXS data reveal the formation of a well ordered protein dimer, notwithstanding being connected by a reversible and flexible peptide linker, and highlight the supramolecular induced interplay of the proteins, analogous to covalently linked proteins.

Cucurbit[6]uril-based reversible bistable [2]pseudorotaxanes were designed, synthesized and installed on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as supramolecular nanovalves. The assembled mechanized silica nanoparticles realize the multistage pH-controlled release of benzotriazole and the potential for reutilization.

The binding affinity of Neutral Red with cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) can be fine-tuned by addition and competitive binding of metal ions, which leads also to a pK(a) shift of the dye; this can be exploited to relocate the dye from the macrocyclic cavity of CB7 to the biomolecular pocket of bovine serum albumin.

The first attempt of constructing pH responsive supramolecular prodrug micelles based on cucurbit[8]uril is reported. The obtained prodrug micelles are found to be able to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. It is anticipated that this facile strategy may open a novel avenue for the development of multifunctional drug delivery systems.

The use of supramolecular architectures to control the spatially dependent spin exchange (spin communication) between two covalently linked radical centers (biradical) has been explored. Cucurbit[8]uril, through supramolecular steric effect, completely suppresses spin exchange between two adjacent radical centers in a biradical.

The synthesis of a supramolecular double hydrophilic peptide-conjugated polymer held together by cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) ternary complexation and its subsequent temperature triggered self-assembly into vesicles are described. Basic fibroblast growth factor can be easily loaded into the vesicles under benign conditions and their bioactivities can be preserved without the need for excipients such...

The red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) is a common, serious and major pest of a wide range of cucurbitaceous vegetables. It is injurious to the crops and cause severe damage to almost all cucurbits. The present study was conducted to find out the host suitability of red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) among different cucurbit hosts in the Laboratory and Field La...