This book provides a complete overview of cucurbituril chemistry, covering fundamental aspects including history, synthesis and host-guest chemistry.

Cucurbiturils (CBs) are a young family of molecular containers, able to form stable complexes with various guests, including drug molecules, amino acids and peptides, saccharides, dyes, hydrocarbons, perfluorinated hydrocarbons, and proteins. Since the discovery of the first CB, the field has seen tremendous growth with respect to the synthesis of new homologues and derivatives, the discovery of record binding affinities of guest molecules in their hydrophobic cavity, and associated applications ranging from sensing to drug delivery. Cucurbiturils and Related Macrocycles provides a complete overview of CB chemistry, covering the fundamental aspects including its history, synthesis, host–guest chemistry and the thermodynamic basis thereof. The book will tackle specialist topics such as redox chemistry of CB complexes and CBs in the gas phase, and will address the recent trends of the application of CBs in other fields including biology and materials. Edited by a pioneer of cucurbituril chemistry, and with contributions from global experts, this title will appeal to students and researchers working in supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, nanotechnology, organic chemistry, biochemistry and chemical biology.

This book chronicles the history and development of cucurbiturils. It provides a general introduction and a field-wide overview of the synthesis, properties and applications of cucurbiturils.Beginning with a chronicled history in the development of the once little-known peculiarity to the forefront of supramolecular chemistry, followed by an in depth look at the preparation, properties and host-guest chemistry, the title showcases the uses of cucurbiturils in chemistry, materials science and biology.An essential resource for both new and experienced researchers, as it provides an overview of the diverse applications, new methodologies and research, as well as challenges in the field.

Smart materials constructed through supramolecular assemblies have been receiving considerable attention because of their potential applications, which include self-healing materials, energy storage, photonic devices, sensors and theranostics. Host–guest chemistry of various macrocyclic receptors with organic guests provides a unique way to control tailor-made nanoarchitectures for the formation of pre-designed functional materials. Cucurbituril-based Function Materials provides an overview of this fascinating macrocycle, cucurbituril (CB) homologues and derivatives-based supramolecular nanostructured materials. Chapters cover the synthesis, properties and application of CB-based smart materials and nanostructures. With contributions from key researchers, this book will be of interest to students and researchers working in materials science, as well as those working on cucurbituril-based materials in organic and physical chemistry.

Advances in Prodrugs: Design and Therapeutic Applications provides a versatile tool in prodrug design and development as well as a concrete perspective on clinical and preclinical studies currently available on prodrugs. The first part of this book discusses different chemical classes of prodrugs, with particular emphasis on metabolic pathways and mechanisms involved in the activation of their functional groups. The second part of the book covers therapeutic applications of prodrugs against the most discussed diseases, providing detailed discussion on recent achievements in the field. This book offers researchers involved in drug discovery key criteria for the successful development of prodrug-based therapeutic tools.Prodrugs are inactive drug precursors which undergo different chemical transformation by metabolic processes to provide pharmacologically active compounds. Prodrugs include a broad range of structurally diverse molecules employed for the treatment of several diseases. - Highlights chemistry and pharmacology-related aspects, offering a versatile tool for readers involved in prodrug development and study - Discusses in-depth treatment of several activation mechanisms and applications for disease treatments - Covers a range of topics from basic contents, design, and mechanisms of actions to current applications in drugs

Macrocyclic molecules contain rings made up of seven or more atoms. They are interesting because they provide building blocks for synthesizing precise two or three dimensional structures – an important goal in nanotechnology. For example, they can be used to develop nanosized reaction vessels, cages, switches and shuttles, and have potential as components in molecular computers. They also have applications as catalysts and sensors. Macrocycles: Construction, Chemistry and Nanotechnology Applications is an essential introduction this important class of molecules and describes how to synthesise them, their chemistry, how they can be used as nanotechnology building blocks, and their applications. A wide range of structures synthesised over the past few decades are covered, from the simpler cyclophanes and multi-ring aromatic structures to vases, bowls, cages and more complex multi-ring systems and 3D architectures such as “pumpkins”, interlocking chains and knots. Topics covered include: principles of macrocycle synthesis simple ring compounds multi-ring aromatic structures porphyrins and phthalocanines cyclophanes crown ethers, cryptands and spherands calixarenes, resorcinarenes, cavitands, carcerands, and heterocalixarenes cyclodextrins cucurbiturils cyclotriveratylenes rotaxanes catenanes complex 3D architectures, including trefoils and knots Macrocycles: Construction, Chemistry and Nanotechnology Applications distills the essence of this important topic for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and for researchers in other fields interested in getting a general insight into this increasingly important class of molecules.

The chemistry that occurs within confined spaces is the product of a collection of forces, often beyond the molecule, and is not easily ascribed to singular factors. There is a breadth of material types that can define a confined space (e.g. macrocycles, interlocked molecules, porous and non-porous crystals, organic and inorganic/coordination cages) which are rarely discussed together. Studies of supramolecular entities in the solution and solid states are also not often compared in the same discussion, even though the concepts are often similar or can be easily transferred between the two. Chapters in this book combine classical host-guest chemistry with catalysis, reactivity, and modern supramolecular chemistry. They cover the many different technologies used to describe and understand reactivity in confined spaces in one accessible title. With contributions from leading experts, Reactivity in Confined Spaces will be relevant for graduate students and researchers working in supramolecular chemistry, both organic- and inorganic-based, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, polymer chemistry, and materials science in general.

This book explores the role of nanotechnology in the delivery of natural phytoconstituents and cosmeceuticals. It presents polymeric nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, metal/metal oxide nanocarriers, protein nanocarriers, and dendrimers for the delivery of phytoconstituents. Further, it focuses on the usage of phytocompounds in various cosmeceutical products and nano delivery technologies used in the delivery of various cosmeceuticals. Finally, the book reviews the toxicity issues of nanoparticles in the delivery of phytoconstituents and cosmeceuticals and regulatory aspects for clinical applications of nano phytomedicines. This book is helpful for academicians and researchers working in pharmaceutical sciences, nano science, material science, plant science, and cosmetic science.