title: Biological and related applications of pillar[n]arenes.
abstract: Pillar[n]arenes are a new class of synthetic supramolecular macrocycles streamlined by their particular pillar-shaped architecture which consists of an electron-rich cavity and two fine-tuneable rims. The ease and diversity of the functionalization of the two rims open possibilities for the design of new architectures, topological isomers, and scaffolds. Significantly, this emerging class of macrocyclic receptors offers a unique platform for biological purposes. This review article covers the most recent contributions from the pillar[n]arene field in terms of artificial membrane transport systems, controlled drug delivery systems, biomedical imaging, biosensors, cell adhesion, fluorescent sensing, and pesticide detection based on host-guest interactions. The review also uniquely describes the properties of sub-units that make pillar[n]arenes suitable for biological applications and it provides a detailed outline for the design of new innovative pillar-like structures with specific properties to open up a new avenue for pillar[n]arene chemistry.
authors.affiliation: International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry (NMAC), College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China. kamel@jlu.ed.cn ywyang@jlu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: CuhaWijay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sathiyajith
authors.affiliation: International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry (NMAC), College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China. kamel@jlu.ed.cn ywyang@jlu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Rafik Rajjak
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.affiliation: International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry (NMAC), College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China. kamel@jlu.ed.cn ywyang@jlu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: The First Clinical College, Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China. toronto101@163.com.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry (NMAC), College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China. kamel@jlu.ed.cn ywyang@jlu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Kamel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meguellati
authors.affiliation: International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry (NMAC), College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China. kamel@jlu.ed.cn ywyang@jlu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Ying-Wei
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8839-8161
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Yang