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Graphical abstract An artificial nanoenzyme model of ester hydrolysis was developed by self-assembly of cucurbit[8]uril-based host-guest supra-amphiphiles. Abstract Self-assembled vesicles are constructed based on supra-amphiphiles formed by cucurbit[8]uril and its two guest molecules. By modifying one of the guest molecules, an artificial nanohydrolase is constructed. An enhancement of catalytic activity for hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate is observed, which is attributed to the enrichment effect of substrate around catalytic sites through the molecular recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getting your proteins in a row: Self‐assembled protein nanowires were designed by utilizing highly specific supramolecular interactions of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and a tripeptide FGG‐tag attached on the N‐termini of dimeric glutathione S‐transferase (GST). With the aid of enzyme simulation, model protein GST was converted into a selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase mimic, and the CB[8]‐induced Se‐FGG‐GST(Y6C) nanowires demonstrated excellent antioxidative capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbituril (CB), a well-known macrocyclic cavitand, has been used extensively to construct supramolecular aggregates. Based on host-guest intertactions, an adamantanyl derivative guest molecule was designed and synthesized to prepare a supramolecular amphiphile with cucurbit[7]uril. In aqueous solution, the cucurbit[7]uril based supramolecular amphiphiles self-assemble into well-defined vesicles, and their disassembly can be achieved by addition of excess competitive agent 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride. This vesicle functions as a new nanocapsule to encapsulate molecules within its hollow cavity. Through competitive disassembly of supramolecular amphiphiles, the vesicles behave as a novel drug delivery carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]