The
development of fluorescence based supramolecules offering selectivity, sensitivity
and detection in real time applications are of great interest. Cucurbit[n]urils
(CB[n]), a macrocyclic synthetic host molecule consists of a varying number of glycoluril
units bridged by methylene groups. CB[n]s easily forms host-guest complexes
(inclusion complexes) with a wide range of analytes. The recognition of analytes
in the presence of host molecules using fluorescence techniques received greater
attention due to its rapid response, high sensitivity to the environment and robust
adaptability. Exploiting the fluorescence properties of CB[n] based supramolecules
by enhancing or quenching the fluorescence intensity in the presence of guest
molecules by spectrofluorometric methods is discussed. A brief outlook on the development
of fluorescence properties of CB[n] based supramolecules used for imaging and
photodynamic therapy is presented and discussed.
Keywords: Binding affinity, Cucurbiturils, Fluorescence, Host-guest complex, Molecular Recognition, Non-covalent interactions, Supramolecules.
