Stimulus-Responsive Assembly of Nanoparticles using Host-Guest Interactions of Cyclodextrins

The design of multifunctional nanomaterials that respond to external stimuli and mimic the capacity of biological materials to respond and adapt to their environment has become a focus of interest in nanotechnology. In this Concept, we describe the development of supramolecular nanoparticle assemblies constructed by use of host-guest interactions between cyclodextrins and suitable guest molecules. The nanoparticle assembly is reversible and can be directed by applying different stimuli that act either on the guest molecules or the nanoparticles. This strategy can be extended to mesoscale assembly of microparticles. We highlight the newest research work in this field of nanochemistry and point out future perspectives and opportunities.