Entirely oligosaccharide-based supramolecular amphiphiles constructed via host–guest interactions as efficient drug delivery platforms

Abstract

Entirely oligosaccharide-based supramolecular amphiphiles were constructed via host–guest interactions between ferrocene-terminated acetylated-maltoheptaose (Fc-AcMH) and β-cyclodextrin-terminated four-arm star maltoheptaose (MH₄-β-CD). The amphiphiles could self-assemble to form spherical supramolecular nanoparticles to provide efficient drug delivery platforms. The combination of a pH-sensitive covalent acetal group and the oxidation-sensitive noncovalent host–guest interaction of β-CD and ferrocene provided the obtained fully oligosaccharide-based supramolecular amphiphiles. The structures of these amphiphiles could respond to the intracellular microenvironment.