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Recent advances in photodynamic therapy systems based on pillar[n]arene host–guest chemistry
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DOI：10.3389/fchem.2026.1924748.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive and low-toxicity strategy for tumors and bacterial infections. However; conventional small-molecule photosensitizers have poor water solubility; severe aggregation-caused quenching and weak tumor targeting; restricting their clinical translation. Macrocyclic host-guest supramolecular assembly improves the performance of photosensitizers via reversible noncovalent recognition. Pillar[n]arenes feature symmetric electron-rich cavities; abundant modifiable sites and wide guest compatibility; showing outstanding advantages over cyclodextrins; calixarenes and cucurbiturils for responsive photosensitizing platforms. This review summarizes recent advances of pillar[n]arene host-guest systems in PDT. We introduce the structural and recognition features of pillar[n]arenes; classify the fabrication of pillar[n]arene-photosensitizer complexes; and interpret how host-guest inclusion alleviates fluorescence quenching; elevates singlet oxygen yield and triggers tumor microenvironment-responsive drug release. Their applications in anti-tumor PDT; antibacterial photodynamic disinfection and imaging-guided therapy are outlined. We also discuss translational obstacles including insufficient biocompatibility and limited deep-tissue penetration; and propose future directions involving targeted functionalization; multi-modal synergy and degradable macrocyclic skeletons. This work clarifies the structure-activity relationship of pillar[n]arene-based PDT systems and offers guidelines for designing high-performance supramolecular theranostic agents.
Keywords:
reactive oxygen species
photodynamic therapy
photosensitizers
host-guest chemistry
pillar[n]arene
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4.2
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8.3K
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3.2W
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