Supramolecular catalysis and dynamic assemblies for medicine

Chem Soc Rev. 2017 Oct 30;46(21):6470-6479. doi: 10.1039/c7cs00472a.

Abstract

In this review, supramolecular catalysis refers to the integration of the catalytic process with molecular self-assembly driven by noncovalent interactions, and dynamic assemblies are the assemblies that form and dissipate reversibly. Cells extensively employ supramolecular catalysis and dynamic assemblies for controlling their complex functions. The dynamic generation of supramolecular assemblies of small molecules has made considerable progress in the last decade, though the disassembly processes remain underexplored. Here, we discuss the regulation of dynamic assemblies via self-assembly and disassembly processes for therapeutics and diagnostics. We first briefly introduce the self-assembly and disassembly processes in the context of cells, which provide the rationale for designing approaches to control the assemblies. Then, we describe recent advances in designing and regulating the self-assembly and disassembly of small molecules, especially for molecular imaging and anticancer therapeutics. Finally, we provide a perspective on future directions of the research on supramolecular catalysis and dynamic assemblies for medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / pharmacology
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Molecular Imaging*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemical synthesis
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Small Molecule Libraries