Host-guest interaction based supramolecular photodynamic therapy systems: a promising candidate in the battle against
Kui Yang1, Zhihua Zhang2, Jie Du1
1Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, P. R. China. yangkuihbu@126.com liweihebeilab@163.com.
Abstract:
Owing to its spatiotemporal selectivity and noninvasive nature, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising approach for the treatment of cancer. However, the non-targeting capability and the accompanying side effects of PDT as well as the low solubility/stability of photosensitizers (PSs) seriously limit its further development. In recent years, host-guest interaction based supramolecular chemistry has attracted more and more attention benefiting from its distinctive properties to introduce macrocyclic hosts including cyclodextrins (CDs), calix[n]arenes (CAs), cucurbit[n]urils (CBs), pillar[n]arenes (PAs), crown ethers, etc. into supramolecular systems, without multiple synthesis steps and complicated purification processes. In particular, supramolecular PDT systems constructed based on macrocylic hosts and PSs through host-guest interactions provide ideal platforms to overcome the limitations of PDT effectively. In this review, recent achievements made in supramolecular PDT systems based on host-guest interactions are comprehensively overviewed, which are categorized into four sections according to the types of macrocyclic hosts. Furthermore, supramolecular PDT combined with other treatments for synergistic therapy is well elucidated. In addition, challenges and perspectives of new supramolecular PDT systems and their potential clinical application are also discussed at the end of the review.
Insights
Supramolecular chemistry enhances photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using host-guest interactions to improve photosensitizer delivery and reduce side effects. This review explores macrocyclic host-based systems for advanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for cancer treatment due to its selectivity and noninvasive nature.
- Limitations of PDT include poor targeting, side effects, and photosensitizer (PS) solubility/stability issues.
- Supramolecular chemistry offers solutions through host-guest interactions with macrocyclic hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in supramolecular photodynamic therapy (PDT) systems.
- To categorize these systems based on macrocyclic host types.
- To discuss synergistic therapies and future clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing host-guest interactions between macrocyclic hosts (e.g., cyclodextrins, calixarenes) and photosensitizers (PSs).
- Constructing supramolecular systems to overcome PDT limitations.
- Reviewing literature on supramolecular PDT systems and their combinations with other therapies.
Main Results:
- Supramolecular systems effectively address PDT's non-targeting and PS stability issues.
- Categorization of systems based on cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbit[n]urils, and pillar[n]arenes.
- Exploration of synergistic effects when combining supramolecular PDT with other therapeutic modalities.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular PDT systems offer a promising platform to enhance cancer treatment efficacy.
- Further research into novel supramolecular PDT systems is crucial for clinical translation.
- Integration with other therapies and addressing current challenges will drive future applications.
