An enzyme-responsive supra-amphiphile constructed by pillar[5]arene/acetylcholine molecular recognition

Abstract

A novel molecular recognition motif between a water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and acetylcholine is established with an association constant of (5.05 ± 0.13) × 10⁴ M⁻¹. Based on this molecular recognition motif, an enzyme-responsive supra-amphiphile is constructed by introducing an amphiphilic guest (PyCh) that is sensitive to acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, supramolecular hybrid materials are prepared by introducing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into these supramolecular systems, which show enzyme-responsive catalytic abilities for the borohydride reduction of 4-nitroaniline.