Supramolecular prodrugs based on host-guest interactions

Geng, WC (Geng, Wen-Chao)^{[ 1,2 ]} ; Sessler, JL (Sessler, Jonathan L.)^{[ 2 ]} ; Guo, DS (Guo, Dong-Sheng)^{[ 1 ]}

CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS, 2020, 49(8): 2303-2315

DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00622b

摘要

Classic prodrug strategies rely on covalent modification of active drugs to provide systems with superior pharmacokinetic properties than the parent drug and facilitate administration. Supramolecular chemistry is providing a new approach to developing prodrug-like systems, wherein the characteristics of a drug are modified in a beneficial manner by creating host-guest complexes that then permit the stimulus-induced release of the active species in a controlled manner. These complexes are termed "supramolecular prodrugs". In this review, we outline the concept of supramolecular drugs via host-guest chemistry and detail progress made in the area. This summary is designed to highlight the many advantages of supramolecular prodrugs, including ease-of-preparation, molecular-level protection, sensitive response to bio-stimuli, traceless release, and adaptability to different drugs. Limitations of the approach and opportunities for future growth are also detailed.