Supramolecular glycolipid based on host-enhanced charge transfer interaction.

Supramolecular glycolipid has been fabricated based on ternary complex system, which is composed of naphthyl glucosamine (GlcNap), alkyl viologen (RV8), and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). CB[8] plays a key role to connect the other two building blocks together, and the process is driven by host-enhanced charge transfer interaction. Compared with the classic glycolipids, supramolecular glycolipids display redox responsiveness. Supramolecular glycolipids are able to self-assemble in water to form spherical aggregations, such as vesicle like structure. In addition, spherical aggregations can specifically interact with Concanavalin A, indicating that the carbohydrate groups are available on the surfaces of the aggregates.