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It is challenging to investigate fast supramolecular processes due to the lack of appropriate characterization methods with high structural resolution. In thisstudy, microfluidic nuclear magnetic resonance (μFNMR) spectroscopy was employed to monitor the kinetics of threading and dethreading of a pseudo[6]rotaxane system. By employing high time resolution μF-NMR, 1H and two-dimensional (2D) rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) NMR spectra were recorded at any timepoint within 1.5 s after the onset of the process. This technique enabled the successful identification of kinetic intermediates and rate-determining steps,usually impossible to determine by other spectroscopic techniques. Thus, our study demonstrates the capability of μF-NMR in investigating the mechanismof complex supramolecular systems.

Summary Photo-generation of a proton gradient over a lipid bilayer is of interest due to its essential role in photosynthetic bacteria. Membrane asymmetry is key to the proton gradient generation via directional proton transport. Here, we report a light-driven proton pump based on two-dimensional, porphyrin-based Janus metal-organic layers (Janus-MOLs). The Janus-MOL, functionalized with carboxyquinone on one side and Acitretin on the other via a microemulsion-based method, was attached to liposome surface. Upon photoexcitation, the porphyrins initiate electron and hole transfers to carboxyquinone and Acitretin, respectively, which undergo redox reactions with freely diffusing quinone (Q)/hydrosemiquinone (HQ·) in the lipid bilayer to produce a concentration gradient of quinone-based species. Owing to different pKa values of HQ+ and HQ·, these redox reactions trigger proton transport across the membrane to create a pH gradient, which drives ATP production by CFoF1-ATP synthase in a similar fashion as photosynthetic bacteria.

In order to solve the control of the degree of anti-occlusion of the roadside landscape of the expressway curve according to the drivers’ visual characteristics during high-speed driving, a dynamic space model of the visual process of curved highway roadside landscape was established, and the calculation equation of roadside landscape visual field was derived. The dynamic occlusion ratio was defined by space coordinates, and the judgment model was proposed for the de-occlusion of the roadside landscape visual field. According to the standard design parameters of the G4 Highway Hunan section, the occlusion laws were analyzed by MATLAB for different widths and different heights of obstructions as well as the same widths and heights of obstructions at different positions in the roadside landscape visual field, thus the control value and control content of anti-occlusion clearance for the roadside landscapes were proposed. The results show that the anti-occlusion clearance control range of the roadside landscape is 270 m at the design speed of 120 km/h, 220 m at 100 km/h, and 170 m at 80 km/h. The control value of clearance width is 25 m, and the control value of clearance height is recommended to be 20 m. Within the scope of highway land expropriation, it is recommended to land expropriation 25 m wide from the road boundary. The research provides model support for building the closeness and openness of highway roadside landscape.

A novel polymer network with NIR induced shape memory behaviour and plasticity.

Inspired by life assembly systems, the construction of transient assembly systems with spatiotemporal control is crucial for developing intelligent materials. A widely adopted strategy is to couple the self-assembly with chemical reaction networks. However, orchestrating the kinetics of multiple reactions and assembly/disassembly processes without crosstalk in homogeneous solutions is not an easy task. To address this challenge, we propose a generic strategy by separating components into different phases, therefore, the evolution process of the system could be easily regulated by controlling the transport of components through different phases. Interference of multiple components that are troublesome in homogeneous systems could be diminished. Meanwhile, limited experimental parameters are involved in tuning the mass transfer instead of the complex kinetic matching and harsh reaction selectivity requirements. As a proof of concept, a transient metallo-supramolecular polymer (MSP) with dynamic luminescent color was constructed in an oil-water biphasic system by controlling the diffusion of the deactivator (water molecules) from the water phase into the oil phase. The lifetime of transient MSP could be precisely regulated not only by the content of chemical fuel, but also factors that affect the efficiency of mass transfer in between phases, such as the volume of the water phase, the stirring rate, and the temperature. We believe this strategy can be further extended to multi-compartment systems with passive diffusion or active transport of components, towards life-like complex assembly systems.

Kinetic control over structures and functions of complex assembly systems has aroused widespread interest. Understanding the complex pathway and transient intermediates is helpful to decipher how multiple components evolve into complex assemblies. However, for supramolecular polymerizations, thorough and quantitative kinetic analysis is often overlooked. Challenges remain in collecting the information of structure and content of transient intermediates

Trace water in organic solvents can play a crucial role in the construction of supramolecular assemblies, which has not gained enough attention until very recent years. Herein, we demonstrate that residual water in organic solvents plays a decisive role in the regulation of the evolution of assembled structures and their functionality. By adding Mg(ClO

Interfacial host–guest complexation offers a versatile way to functionalize nanomaterials. However, the complicated interfacial environment and trace amounts of components present at the interface make the study of interfacial complexation very difficult. Herein, taking the advantages of near-single-molecule level sensitivity and molecular fingerprint of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), we reveal that a cooperative effect between cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and methyl viologen (MV2+2I−) in aggregating Au NPs originates from the cooperative adsorption of halide counter anions I−, MV2+, and CB[7] on Au NPs surface. Moreover, similar SERS peak shifts in the control experiments using CB[n]s but with smaller cavity sizes suggested the occurrence of the same guest complexations among CB[5], CB[6], and CB[7] with MV2+. Hence, an unconventional exclusive complexation model is proposed between CB[7] and MV2+ on the surface of Au NPs, distinct from the well-known 1:1 inclusion complexation model in aqueous solutions. In summary, new insights into the fundamental understanding of host–guest interactions at nanostructured interfaces were obtained by SERS, which might be useful for applications related to host–guest chemistry in engineered nanomaterials.

Conjugated polymers usually require strategies to expand the range of wavelengths absorbed and increase solubility. Developing effective strategies to enhance both properties remains challenging. Herein, we report syntheses of conjugated polymers based on a family of metalla-aromatic building blocks via a polymerization method involving consecutive carbyne shuttling processes. The involvement of metal d orbitals in aromatic systems efficiently reduces band gaps and enriches the electron transition pathways of the chromogenic repeat unit. These enable metalla-aromatic conjugated polymers to exhibit broad and strong ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption bands. Bulky ligands on the metal suppress π–π stacking of polymer chains and thus increase solubility. These conjugated polymers show robust stability toward light, heat, water, and air. Kinetic studies using NMR experiments and UV–Vis spectroscopy, coupled with the isolation of well-defined model oligomers, revealed the polymerization mechanism.

A new method for controllable supramolecular polymerization based on ABBA type monomer and cucurbit[8]uril monomer through host–guest interaction and photochemistry is reported. The molecular weight and polydispersity of supramolecular polymers can be well controlled by tuning the molar ratio of these host and guest monomers or by tuning the isomer ratio of azobenzene groups in the guest monomers upon the competitive irradiation of lights. This research provides a general methodology for the control of supramolecular polymerization and the structure of supramolecular polymers.

Molecular face-rotating polyhedra (FRP) exhibit complex stereochemistry, rendering it challenging to manipulate their assembly in a stereoselective manner. In our previous work, stereocontrolled FRP were gained at the cost of losing the confined inner space, which hampers their host–guest interactions and potential applications. Through a rational design approach, herein we demonstrate the successful construction of hollow FRP with high diastereoselectivity. Whereas the [4 + 4] imine condensation of meta-formyl substituted C3h-symmetric TAT-m and C3-symmetric Tri-NH2 led to the formation of all feasible FRP-12 diastereoisomers; the para-substituted constitutional isomer, TAT-p, exclusively assembled into a pair of homo-directional enantiomeric FRP-13-CCCC/AAAA with a cavity size larger than 600 Å3. Detailed structural characterizations and theoretical investigations revealed the thermodynamic landscape of FRP assembly can be effectively shaped by modulating the van der Waals repulsive forces among the facial building blocks. Our work provided a novel strategy towards stereospecific assembly of pure organic cages, opening up new opportunities for further applications of these chiral materials., The rationally engineered facial units, TAT-m and TAT-p, resulted in distinct diastereoselectivity of face-rotating polyhedra (FRP).

Molecular assembly plays a critical role in constructing the physical world beyond molecules. Living organism shows the highest level of molecular assembly, inside which complex subunits assemble into functional assemblies through complex intermolecular interactions. Self-assembly is the dominant paradigm in the research of artificial molecular assembly, whereas most molecular assemblies in living organism are multi-pathway, multi-step, and hierarchical, thus requiring the assistance and guidance of other molecules. Among these assisting methods, catassembly uses catassemblers to modulate the kinetics and pathways of the assembly processes, exhibiting high efficiency and selectivity. In living organisms, catassemblers such as molecular chaperones, histone chaperones and allosteric factors are critical to protein folding, chromatin remodeling, and regulation of enzyme activities, respectively. In this review, we analyzed and then summarized various catassembly cases in living organisms, and envisioned that catassembly will be more important in more complex molecular assemblies. These investigations may provide a new perspective for the development of catassembly in artificial and living systems, and further improve the complexity, controllability and function of molecular assembly to a higher level.

Discovering novel families of molecular polyhedra through graph theory has attracted increasing interest. Nevertheless, the design principles of molecular polyhedra based on graph theory remain elusive, especially for those containing five-node units. Herein, we construct a series of chiral truncated face-rotating polyhedra (T-FRP) from pentagonal pentaphenylpyrrole (PPP) derivatives and chiral diamines. Graph theory is used to elucidate the geometry of these novel T-FRP, which represent a new family of molecular polyhedra. The phenyl flipping of PPP faces in these T-FRP is significantly restricted, thus making T-FRP chiral and strongly emissive in solution. In addition, T-FRP also generate circularly polarized luminescence. This study provides new insights into the rational design of novel molecular polyhedra through graph theory.

It is appealing to develop dynamic polymer systems with multifunctionl properties. Herein, we report a polyurethane elastomer with a dynamic covalent polymer network containing a radically exchangeable 2-arylindane-l,3-dione dimer as thermally sensitive and reversible cross-links. In addition, the carbolong complex, an excellent photothermal agent, is incorporated into the dynamic network backbone. With the irradiation of NIR light, the carbolong complex rapidly generates thermal energy, which subsequently triggers the cleavage of the dynamic covalent bond to generate radicals and activate the polyurethane network. In proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrate that the utility of a combination of radically exchangeable covalent bond and carbolong moiety brings multiple functional characteristics to the polymer network with a capability of spatiotemporal control, including thermochromism, photochromism, rewritability, malleability, and self-healing. This study holds potentials for exploring more tunable dynamics and improved material properties.

Highway navigation is often affected by complex topography, and the flat curve plays an important role in the horizontal alignment design of a highway. Many curves are formed, where visibility could be decreased. Thus, the indicative function of a traffic sign plays a crucial role in ensuring driving safety at the curve. Due to the blocked visibility, the probability of the traffic sign occlusion at the curve of operating highways is quite high. It is urgent to consider the clearing obstructions around traffic signs at curves during highway construction. In this study, the potential of visual occlusion for traffic signs on curved highways was investigated. Firstly, the driver’s visibility window that contains traffic signs was defined and criteria of visual occlusion were proposed. Secondly, a geometric occlusion design formula was established to mimic the visual recognition process of traffic signs on a curved highway, yielding the formula to calculate the visibility window. Finally, the occlusion design formula was applied into a case study of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Expressway (Hunan section), in which visibility windows were calculated and analyzed. The obtained results verified the correctness and effectiveness of the occlusion design formula developed in this study.

Quantitatively predicting the reactivity of dynamic covalent reaction is essential to understand and rationally design complex structures and reaction networks. Herein, the reactivity of aldehydes and amines in various rapid imine formation in aqueous solution by microfluidic NMR spectroscopy was quantified. Investigation of reaction kinetics allowed to quantify the forward rate constants k+ by an empirical equation, of which three independent parameters were introduced as reactivity parameters of aldehydes (SE , E) and amines (N). Furthermore, these reactivity parameters were successfully used to predict the unknown forward rate constants of imine formation. Finally, two competitive reaction networks were rationally designed based on the proposed reactivity parameters. Our work has demonstrated the capability of microfluidic NMR spectroscopy in quantifying the kinetics of label-free chemical reactions, especially rapid reactions that are complete in minutes.

Photo-generation of a proton gradient over a lipid bilayer is of interest due to its essential role in photosynthetic bacteria. Membrane asymmetry is key to the generation of a proton gradient via directional proton transport. Here we report a light-driven proton pump based on two-dimensional, porphyrin-based Janus metal-organic layers (Janus-MOLs) embedded in liposomes. We developed a microemulsion-based method to functionalize the Janus-MOLs with carboxyquinone on one side and Acitretin on the other side. By attaching the Janus-MOLs to liposome surfaces, we obtained a mimic to photosynthetic bacteria. Upon photoexcitation, the porphyrins initiate electron and hole transfers to carboxyquinone and Acitretin, respectively, which undergo redox reactions with freely diffusing quinone (Q) / hydrosemiquinone (HQ·) in the lipid bilayer to produce a concentration gradient of quinone-based species. Owing to different pKa values of HQ+ and HQ ·, these redox reactions trigger proton transport across the membrane to create a pH gradient, which drives ATP production by CF0F1-ATP synthase in a similar fashion as photosynthetic bacteria.

Neuroblastoma is a highly complex and heterogeneous cancer in children. Acquired genomic alterations including MYCN amplification, 1p deletion and 11q deletion are important risk factors and biomarkers in neuroblastoma. Here, we performed a co-expression-based gene network analysis to study the intrinsic association between specific genomic changes and transcriptome organization. We identified multiple gene coexpression modules which are recurrent in two independent datasets and associated with functional pathways including nervous system development, cell cycle, immune system process and extracellular matrix/space. Our results also indicated that modules involved in nervous system development and cell cycle are highly associated with MYCN amplification and 1p deletion, while modules responding to immune system process are associated with MYCN amplification only. In summary, this integrated analysis provides novel insights into molecular heterogeneity and pathogenesis of neuroblastoma. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Accelerating Precision Medicine through Genetic and Genomic Big Data Analysis edited by Yudong Cai & Tao Huang.

The optimal power flow (OPF) model is a central optimization problem in power system network. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to solve the OPF problem that has a convex objective function and non-convex feasible domain due to the constraints. Based on the concept of abstract convex analysis, we construct the dual M-convex subsets family of original variables by using the variable separation method, followed by the analysis of the extremum according to the infimum base of the M-convex subsets. It is challenging to obtain an explicit mapping function among the separated variables due to the nonlinear equality constraints. We, therefore, use the theorem of implicit function and the differential function to do duality analysis on separated variables. Based on the min-max principle of the primal-dual problem of OPF, we derive the condition of the complementary factor which leads the Lagrange dual problem to maximum, and make the variable separation that results in a Minkowski-type dual M-convex subset. We then can obtain a local minimum using the principle of abstract convex optimization, which will be the global optimal solution under the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions. We evaluate the proposed approach on several IEEE systems. The simulation results indicate that the approach is feasible and effective to deal with the non-convex OPF problem with a non-convex feasible domain.

The optimal power flow (OPF) model is a central optimization problem in power system network. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to solve the OPF problem that has a convex objective function and non-convex feasible domain due to the constraints. Based on the concept of abstract convex analysis, we construct the dual ${M}$ -convex subsets family of original variables by using the variable separation method, followed by the analysis of the extremum according to the infimum base of the ${M}$ -convex subsets. It is challenging to obtain an explicit mapping function among the separated variables due to the nonlinear equality constraints. We, therefore, use the theorem of implicit function and the differential function to do duality analysis on separated variables. Based on the min–max principle of the primal-dual problem of OPF, we derive the condition of the complementary factor which leads the Lagrange dual problem to maximum, and make the variable separation that results in a Minkowski-type dual ${M}$ -convex subset. We then can obtain a local minimum using the principle of abstract convex optimization, which will be the global optimal solution under the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. We evaluate the proposed approach on several IEEE systems. The simulation results indicate that the approach is feasible and effective to deal with the non-convex OPF problem with a non-convex feasible domain.

Plant viruses have been widely used as templates for the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrids. However, the fine-tuning of hybrid nanoparticle structures, especially the control of inorganic particle size as well as where the silication occurs (i.e. outside and/or inside of the capsid), by simply tuning the pH remains a challenge. By taking advantage of the templating effect of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus (CCMV) protein cages, we show that the silication at the exterior or interior surface of protein capsids, as well as the resulting structures of silica/virus hybrid nanoparticles can be fine-tuned by pH. At pH 4.0, only small silica particles (diameter of 2.5 nm) were formed inside the protein cages; at pH 6.0, silication mainly takes place inside of the protein cages, leading to monodisperse silica nanoparticles with diameters of 14 nm; and at pH 7.5, silica deposition takes place both at the interior and exterior surfaces of protein cages in aqueous conditions. Under these reaction conditions, multiple component hybrid virus/nanoparticulate systems, such as CCMVAu/silica and Au/silica nanoparticles were prepared step-by-step. Upon removal of the CCMV template by thermal degradation a single gold nanoparticle can be encapsulated in a hollow silica shell emulating the structure of a baby's rattle with an unattached solid particle within a hollow particle. The Au/silica core-hollow shell nanoparticles can then be further used as a stable catalyst. It is anticipated that these synthetic methods provide a versatile methodology to prepare core–shell nanomaterials with well-designed structure and functionality.

Interface engineering is a critical method by which to efficiently enhance the photovoltaic performance of nonfullerene solar cells (NFSC). Herein, a series of metal-nanographene-containing large transition metal involving dπ -pπ conjugated systems by way of the addition reactions of osmapentalynes and p-diethynyl-hexabenzocoronenes is reported. Conjugated extensions are engineered to optimize the π-conjugation of these metal-nanographene molecules, which serve as alcohol-soluble cathode interlayer (CIL) materials. Upon extension of the π-conjugation, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6:BTP-eC9-based NFSCs increases from 16% to over 18%, giving the highest recorded PCE. It is deduced by X-ray crystallographic analysis, interfacial contact methods, morphology characterization, and carrier dynamics that modification of hexabenzocoronenes-styryl can effectively improve the short-circuit current density (Jsc ) and fill factor of organic solar cells (OSCs), mainly due to the strong and ordered charge transfer, more matching energy level alignments, better interfacial contacts between the active layer and the electrodes, and regulated morphology. Consequently, the carrier transport is largely facilitated, and the carrier recombination is simultaneously impeded. These new CIL materials are broadly able to enhance the photovoltaic properties of OSCs in other systems, which provides a promising potential to serve as CILs for higher-quality OSCs.

Traffic accidents frequently occur at the nose of highway exit ramps for a variety of reasons. When attempting to take an exit, a driver’s line of sight may be obscured by the curvature or slope of the main expressway, roadside vegetation, traffic signs, and other vehicles traveling alongside. These increase the likelihood of accidents due to inaccurate or poor driver judgement when approaching a highway exit. Because of emotional responses that accompany the possibility of missing an exit, many drivers act irrationally through haphazard acceleration or braking, aggressive lane changes; in some cases, even coming to a complete stop and reversing against the flow of high speed traffic to correct their course. This study applies to curved highway exit corridors with a poor line of sight. The total visible area of the exit ramp is defined in accordance with the design specifications of both the highway routes and exit ramps, which was then further refined by considering the driving characteristics of both the drivers and of surrounding traffic. This study set out to establish a reliable occlusion model of highway exits with the following goals in mind. Geometric equations describing the area and volume of the target area of the exit ramp are established. Discrete expression equation was deployed to establish the occlusion model for the target area within the visual field. Parameters taken from specifications of the Hunan section of the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway are used for multiple calculations, in which obstruction patterns of objects with the same width, and objects with different width at different positions are analyzed. Based on the patterns observed from stimulated experiments mentioned above, multiple effective measures were proposed to prevent the obstruction of the highway exit ramp. In summary, this study provides theoretical support for prevention of obstruction as well as an anti-occlusion model for better identification of the highway exit ramps by intelligent vehicle systems.

Artificial nanochannels, inheriting smart gating functions of biological ion channels, promote the development of artificial functional nanofluidic devices for high-performance biosensing and electricity generation. However, gating states of the artificial nanochannels have been mainly realized through chemical modification of the channels with responsive molecules, and their gating states cannot be further regulated once the nanochannel is modified. In this work, we employed a new supramolecular layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method to achieve reversible and adjustable multiple gating features in nanofluidic diodes. Initially, a self-assembly precursor was modified into a single conical nanochannel, then host molecule-cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and guest molecule, a naphthalene derivative, were self-assembled onto the precursor through an LbL method driven by host-enhanced π-π interaction, forming supramolecular monolayer or multilayers on the inner surface of the channel. These self-assemblies with different layer numbers possessed remarkable charge effects and steric effects, exhibiting a capability to regulate the surface charge density and polarity, the effective diameter, and the geometric asymmetry of the single nanochannel, realizing reversible gating of the single nanochannel among multiple rectification and ion-conduction states. As an example of self-assembly of supramolecular networks in nanoconfinements, this work provides a new approach for enhancing functionalities of artificial nanochannels by LbL supramolecular self-assemblies. Meanwhile, since the host molecule, CB[8], used in this work can interact with different kinds of biomolecules and stimuli-responsive chemical species, this work can be further extended to build a novel stable multiple-state research platform for a variety of uses such as sensing and controllable release.

The underlying mechanisms of eating disorders (EDs) are very complicated and still poorly understood. The pathogenesis of EDs may involve the interplay of multiple genes. To investigate the dysregulated gene pathways in EDs we analyzed gene expression profiling in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tissues from 15 EDs cases, including 3 with anorexia nervosa (AN), 7 with bulimia nervosa (BN), 2 AN-BN cases, 3 cases of EDs not otherwise specified, and 102 controls. We further used a weighted gene co-expression network analysis to construct a gene co-expression network and to detect functional modules of highly correlated genes. The functional enrichment analysis of genes in co-expression modules indicated that an altered mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation process may be involved in the pathogenesis of EDs.

Introduction of compartments with defined spaces inside a hydrogel network brings unique features, such as high loading efficiency, cargo quantification, stabilization and diminishment of burst release., Introduction of compartments with defined spaces inside a hydrogel network brings unique features, such as cargo quantification, stabilization and diminishment of burst release, which are all desired for biomedical applications. As a proof of concept, guest-modified cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) particles and complementary guest-modified hydroxylpropyl cellulose (HPC) were non-covalently cross-linked through the formation of ternary host–guest complexes with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). Furthermore, CCMV based virus-like particles (VLPs) loaded with tetrasulfonated zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) were prepared, with a loading efficiency up to 99%, which are subsequently successfully integrated inside the supramolecular hydrogel network. It was shown that compartments provided by protein cages not only help to quantify the loaded ZnPc cargo, but also improve the water solubility of ZnPc to avoid undesired aggregation. Moreover, the VLPs together with ZnPc cargo can be released in a controlled way without an initial burst release. The photodynamic effect of ZnPc molecules was retained after encapsulation of capsid protein and release from the hydrogel. This line of research suggests a new approach for sophisticated drug administration in supramolecular hydrogels.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been created from luminescent Pt(II) complex amphiphiles, able to form supramolecular structures in water solutions, that can be encapsulated or act as templates of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid proteins. By virtue of a bottom-up molecular design, icosahedral and nonicosahedral (rod-like) VLPs have been constructed through diverse pathways, and a relationship between the molecular structure of the complexes and the shape and size of the VLPs has been observed. A deep insight into the mechanism for the templated formation of the differently shaped VLPs was achieved, by electron microscopy measurements (TEM and STEM) and bulk analysis (FPLC, DLS, photophysical investigations). Interestingly, the obtained VLPs can be visualized by their intense emission at room temperature, generated by the self-assembly of the Pt(II) complexes. The encapsulation of the luminescent species is further verified by their higher emission quantum yields inside the VLPs, which is due to the confinement effect of the protein cage. These hybrid materials demonstrate the potential of tailor-made supramolecular systems able to control the assembly of biological building blocks.

The study of protein self-assembly has attracted great interest over the decades, due to the important role that proteins play in life. In contrast to the major achievements that have been made in the fields of DNA origami, RNA, and synthetic peptides, methods for the design of self-assembling proteins have progressed more slowly. This Concept article provides a brief overview of studies on native protein and artificial scaffold assemblies and highlights advances in designing self-assembling proteins. The discussions are focused on design strategies for self-assembling proteins, including protein fusion, chemical conjugation, supramolecular, and computational-aided de novo design.

This communication describes the fabrication of supramonomers based on supramolecular complexation between cucurbit[8]uril and the tetrapeptide Phe-Gly-Gly-Cys. The supramolecular polymers are obtained by thiol–ene click polymerization of the supramonomers with maleimide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol). Benefiting from the green and pH dependent nature of thiol–ene click reaction, it is expected that this line of research will enrich the methodology for fabricating supramolecular polymers with controlled compositions and structures.

Materials responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) at a physiological level are of great significance in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We have synthesized a water-soluble tellurium-containing hyperbranched polymer and demonstrated that it forms a kind of ROS-responsive aggregate. In aqueous environment, the polymer aggregates can swell under biologically relevant concentration of H2O2, which could be expected to find applications in fields such as elimination of excess ROS.

This communication describes the fabrication of diselenide-containing supramolecular polymers. The diselenide-containing supramolecular polymers were fabricated by equimolarly mixing (FGGC11Se)2 and CB[8] in aqueous solution driven by host–guest interactions between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and Phe-Gly-Gly. The amphiphilic diselenide-containing supramolecular polymers could further form aggregates for loading hydrophobic small molecules such as Nile Red and releasing them upon addition of oxidants or reductants. This line of research not only expands the library of selenium-containing polymers, but also offers a new strategy to develop functional supramolecular polymers for drug delivery.

A functional microfluidic reactor is constructed by the immobilization of gold containing virus-based protein cages that catalyze the reduction of nitro-arenes with high efficiency.

This communication describes a new method of fabricating supramolecular polymers through supramolecular polymerization of supramonomers. To mix building blocks of Phe-Gly-Gly linked with an azobenzene group and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 in aqueous solutions, supramonomers were obtained by host–guest interaction between tripeptide and CB[8]. Then supramolecular polymers were formed spontaneously by mixing the supramonomers with bis-β-cyclodextrins in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 in an aqueous solution through noncovalent host–guest complexation of the azobenzene group and β-cyclodextrin. Considering that various noncovalent interactions can be used to drive the formation of supramonomers and the supramolecular polymerization of the supramonomers, this study can enrich the methodology of fabricating supramolecular polymers.

In contrast with macromonomer in traditional polymer science, supramonomer refers to a monomer that is fabricated by noncovalent interactions, but is able to polymerize using conventional methods of polymerization. This communication describes the fabrication of a supramonomer based on supramolecular complexation between cucurbit[8]uril and the tripeptide Phe-Gly-Gly derivative. The supramolecular polymer is obtained by click polymerization of the supramonomer. It is expected that this line of research will provide a new method for fabricating supramolecular polymers.

The host-guest chemistry of cucurbiturils and the photochemistry of azastilbene derivatives are combined for the rationally adjusting multicolor emissions through forming different host-guest complexes and their corresponding photochemical products. Cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) can bind with azastilbene derivatives to form supramolecular polymers emitting orange light. The supramolecular polymers further facilitate the [2 + 2] cycloaddition of C═C bonds in azastilbenes by UV irradiation, emitting blue light. Different from CB[8], cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) encapsulates azastilbene derivatives to form a dumbbell-shaped host-guest complex, emitting dark-purple light. This dumbbell-shaped host-guest complex undergoes cis-isomerization after UV irradiation, thus emitting green light. Therefore, this strategy is promising for fabricating advanced stimuli-responsive fluorescent materials.