CHAPTER 5: Supramolecular Nanoassemblies Based on Proteins and Cyclodextrin Derivatives

Supramolecular chemistry based on macrocycles such as cyclodextrins (CDs) offers the opportunity to combine synthetic motifs with naturally occurring macromolecules for the study of biological phenomena. CDs, a family of cone-shaped cyclic oligosaccharides, can selectively encapsulate various organic and inorganic molecules in their hydrophobic cavities (host–guest interactions), thereby generating reproducible, well-defined biological nanostructures with novel functionalities and environmental adaptability. In this chapter, we highlight recent work on strategies used to design and construct a diverse array of biocompatible CD-protein nanoassemblies of varying complexity. The binding characteristics of CD-based inclusion complexes are described, the responses of the complexes to chemical and physical stimuli are summarized, the principles used to design CD-based enzyme and protein mimics are discussed, and strategies for fabrication of CD-protein constructs are reviewed, with a particular focus on orthogonal host–guest complexation and ligand–receptor interactions. Such CD-protein constructs can be expected not only to allow precise manipulation of protein–protein interactions but also to provide a wealth of information about the dynamic self-assembly of biomacromolecules, which can pave the way for the development of intelligent bioinspired nanomaterials with functions that closely resemble those of naturally occurring biological materials.