Vesicles from supramolecular amphiphiles

Abstract

Supramolecular amphiphiles (SAs) refer to a class of amphiphiles based on non-covalent interactions, while vesicles are important self-assembled aggregates in solutions and represent simple model systems for biological membranes. Vesicles assembled by “supramolecular amphiphiles” are considered not only more effective but also more promising in acting as stimuli-responsive nano-carriers. In this review, we first give a brief account of the efforts on the fabrication of vesicles from SAs. Following the self-assembly of SA, vesicles are prepared by combining multiple components through non-covalent interactions, such as host-guest recognition, charge transfer, π–π stacking and electrostatic interactions. Then, the applications and functions of these vesicles derived from the controllable self-assembly–disassembly phenomenon are highlighted. Finally, prospects of vesicles from SA were proposed. The easy fabrication and functionalization properties, as well as the dynamic nature of the non-covalent interactions of vesicles from SA would definitely enrich the traditional colloid and interface chemistry and provide more references for advanced supramolecular materials.