Magnetic-responsive supramolecular vesicles from self-organization of amphiphilic pillar[5]arene and application in controlled release.

A new amphiphilic pillar[5]arene (AP5-glycol) with five oligomeric glycol groups and five alkyl chains was prepared. AP5-glycol spontaneously formed bilayer vesicles in water, and these vesicles were still stable after several weeks. Additionally, when they were exposed to external physical stimuli, these vesicles also showed reversible thermal and dynamic properties. Interestingly, oleic-acid-stabilized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles could be incorporated into the bilayer of the AP5-glycol vesicles to form hybrid magnetic-responsive supramolecular vesicles.