Modular Design of Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Nanocarriers Based on Pro‐Guest Strategy

Abstract High affinity host‐guest interactions were used to assemble supramolecular nanocarriers, and controlled release cargo based on a “pro‐guest” strategy. Supramolecular nanocarriers were prepared by modular design, which were responsive to photo‐irradiation or reducing agents. Model cargo nile red was stably encapsulated by nanocarriers in water, and released when photo‐irradiation or reducing agent was applied. Cargo release rate was tunable by using different pro‐guests for photo‐responsive nanocarriers. A mechanistic study was carried out to confirm a cascade process of stimuli‐responsive pro‐guest degradation and competitive displacement. Supramolecular nanocarriers were able to deliver model cargo to the cell cytoplasm.