Self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles mediated by host-guest interactions

Abstract The use of host-guest interactions to direct the controllable self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles has aroused intensive interest in recent years. Through deliberate surface modifications of inorganic nanoparticles, the recognition between host and guest molecules drives the dynamic self-assembly of nanoparticles, leading to fascinating assembly behaviors such as stimulus-responsive and reversible self-assembly. In this review, we first briefly introduce the structures and properties of the typical host molecules, such as cyclodextrins, cucurbit[n]urils, calix[n]arenes, and pilla[n]arenas, and their supramolecular complexes with guest molecules, which have been frequently employed in nanoparticle assembly. Then, recent advances in the approaches toward precise control over the dynamic self-assembly processes of inorganic nanoparticles based on rational regulation of host-guest interactions are summarized with special emphasis on the assembly strategies. Furthermore, the potential applications of the self-assembly systems involving host-guest interactions in sensing and catalysis are highlighted. An outlook on future developments in this field is also provided.