An efficient supramolecular artificial light-harvesting system based on twisted cucurbit[15]uril and cucurbit[10]uril for live cell imaging

The construction of highly efficient artificial light-harvesting systems in aqueous solutions is still challenging. Herein, we reported a new light-harvesting system based on the supramolecular combination of twisted cucurbit[15]uril ( t Q[15]), cucurbit[10]uril (Q[10]), and an anthracene derivative (APy) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. The Q[ n ]-based linear supramolecular polymer, APy@ t Q[15]@Q[10], was constructed through a two-step assembly strategy. Subsequently, a highly efficient artificial light-harvesting system with relatively high antenna effect and energy transfer efficiency was successfully constructed through non-covalent interactions between Rhodamine B (RB, acceptor) and the APy@ t Q[15]@Q[10] (donor). The resulting system was compatible with HeLa cells and could be used for live-cell imaging in the red channel. This supramolecular assembly strategy has not only produced a highly efficient light-harvesting system but also expands the application of Q[ n ]s in the biomedical field. • A new light-harvesting system based on the largest twisted cucurbit[15]uril and cucurbit[10]uril. • AIE compound fabricated a light-harvesting system with RB in a two-step self-assembly strategy. • The constructed light-harvesting system further applied into the cell imaging in red channel.